University Students are Joining Social Education Networks for Learning

LONDON -

- GradeGuru, a McGraw-Hill Higher Education Start-up, is Leading the Online Learning Movement.

The launch of The Open University’s Open Learn database in 2006 marked a significant shift in the way academics leverage the web to spread knowledge. A similar shift from the student side is taking place on GradeGuru with thousands of students engaging in collaborative learning. An obvious parallel exists between the student demographic and their usage of social media tools and savvy students are increasingly combining their love of social media with their education.

“Last term, as thousands of students at hundreds of universities across the UK started using www.gradeguru.com, we quickly realized the potential for building a leading community within the academic social web,” said Emily Sawtell, Director of Emerging Business Ventures at McGraw-Hill Higher Education and Founder of www.GradeGuru.com, a notes-sharing community where college students are sharing class notes, improving study skills and building their academic portfolios.

“Today’s born digital University students are already heavy social media users with wikis, blogs and online communities forming part of their daily routine,” said Sawtell. “GradeGuru is attracting Facebook and YouTube users who want to leverage the social web to build their academic thought leadership.”

Student and Academic Feedback:

- “Note sharing creates critical bonds between students and allows them to build on each other’s strengths in ways that raise the performance level of the entire class,” said Dr. Noelle Stout, Associate Professor of Anthropology at New York University. - “It makes a lot more academic sense than a website for sharing essays which just invites plagiarism. Students put a lot of time into preparing detailed notes which generally are never looked at once they finish their exams. A note sharing website puts all the hard work to good use,” says Amar Radia, a student from the University of Oxford when talking about the concept behind GradeGuru. - Henri from City University believes: “I think your website is a fantastic idea full of potential. I especially like the idea of membership status/recognition. Good luck.”

For an interactive walk-through of our site and information on our expansion plans for this academic year please do not hesitate to contact me. To schedule a phone interview with students using the academic social web, or Emily Sawtell, a thought leader in open access learning, please contact Fiona Comport; Tel +44-(0)1628-502-706, email Fiona_Comport@McGraw-Hill.com

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Source: GradeGuru.com

Fiona Comport; Tel +44-(0)1628-502-706, email Fiona_Comport at McGraw-Hill.com