There is a growing concern about the lack of socialization at fully-digital schools. This is something that may have stopped students from enrolling in a school because of the social aspect of a digital college life. Here, we take a look at the importance of socialization in the era of hybrid schooling and digital classrooms and how prospective students can do it.
Moving into the post-pandemic era, in the past couple of years, it is easy to realize just how difficult it has been to maintain–let alone create–friendships. Nevermind thinking about school and being thrown into, rather abruptly, a completely digital world.
One thing that is known for certain is that it was incredibly hard to connect with peers through the rapid changes from maintaining physical relationships and moving into purely digital socialization–which had been quite a difficult transition for many of us.
Why Does Socialization Matter?
According to the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Introduction to Sociology (2e) - Socialization, socialization at an individual level is critically important as this helps us see ourselves through the eyes of others. And vice versa. In addition, it also helps individuals understand the material and nonmaterial cultural standards. For example, how to dress appropriately for a specific occasion, what is an appropriate dinner and how to cook it, etc. (https://opened.cuny.edu/courseware/lesson/133/student/)Socialization at Mapúa Malayan Digital College is one of the most important factors taken into consideration. Over the past two years, MMDC has studied online learning and socialization in real-time classes to create socialization programs to help students connect with one another digitally. In line with this, here are some tips on how–and more importantly, where–we can socialize at MMDC.
How to Make Friends at Mapúa Malayan Digital College
Join–or better yet, Create a Club!MMDC is proud of the student clubs currently running and being offered to all students. These clubs are an important part of online socialization; not only do they allow an opportunity for the student to connect with other students, they also allow for connection to people that have the same interests. This makes it easier for many people to ‘break the ice’ and begin budding, fruitful friendships.
MMDC has a variety of club offerings from arts and crafts, and music to sports and business clubs. Whatever your interest, MMDC is sure to have a club for it. But, let’s say there isn’t a club that matches a student’s interests. Perhaps it just hasn’t been created yet and is waiting for it to be launched. All a student has to do is simply:
1. Define the purpose - List down what the club will be about and what activities the club may offer to potential students.
2. Coordinate and Register -Coordinate with the Student Affairs Officer. Once approved by the SAO, proceed to register with the admin office.
3. Define the purpose - This is where the fun starts. Assign activities and roles within the club and really start connecting with like-minded individuals.
Take Advantage of MMDC’s Learning Hub
MMDC has two learning hub locations - Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Quezon City, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod city. These spaces are designed as places where students go to connect for group projects, for study groups, for club activities, or simply to use the safe space to connect with each other. A key-component of MMDC’s facilities, the learning hubs include meeting rooms for in-person meetings, study areas, and feature internet access throughout the hub. Check out the following link for a 360 view of the center: https://www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/tour-360/
Make and Sustain Connections in the Online Classroom
Learning Management Systems (LMS) became a hot commodity during the pandemic. They provide flexibility when it comes to monitoring student progress about required tasks via an online learning setting. MMDC uses Engageli for all online classes, as its main LMS.Engageli takes a typical system a few, extra steps further. Not only does Engageli provide an organized space that makes it easy for students to access their modules as well as track their own progress,
it creates a social space for specific classes where students may interact with each other via the chat function, as well as communicate directly with their instructors via class discussion threads. This is the perfect instrument for real-time online socialization and is a great alternative for those unable to attend study groups in person.
Creating Social Rapport Using Social Media
One of the best (and let’s face it, the easiest) ways students can create connections and friendships is through social media. Not only are they a great way to chat and voice / video call, they also allow us to show more of their private lives and create that genuine rapport we so need in maintaining relationships. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are great for sharing updates in real-time, while Instagram provides a more creative and visual outlook on a person's life. TikTok and YouTube are also great for sharing videos (and dance talents!) and clips to our potential friends to really help that connection process. What better way to show similar interests than by sharing memes with one another?MMDC prides itself on delivering, not only quality, professional education, but also the different socialization programs and structures created for a holistic online learning experience. From online socialization using social media and Engageli, to physical settings provided by the Learning Hub, your socialization needs will be met at MMDC.
