College Fairs Go Virtual (And I LOVE IT!)
I can remember my first (and only) college fair experience clearly…I won’t bore you with all of the gory details, but the sweaty kid to campus rep ratio was about 30 to 1 and it was hard to find what you were looking for and nearly impossible to actually talk to someone. I left with a Clemson pencil and that’s about all.
Well, the times they are a changin’ folks…
CollegeWeekLive is a two-day virtual college fair, and my new favorite topic this week. While this is a new concept for higher education, it uses the technology that high school students use in their daily lives and reaches them on a level in which they are comfortable. Not only is it easier to access (you don’t even have to leave your house) but there is even more interaction possible on this virtual platform than at any normal college fair. If you want to read more about it, check out this great Newsweek article.
In the article, there is a great quote from the Robert Rosenbloom, the CEO of the company that created the event that really sums up the advantages of the virtual fair. He says,
"This isn't just creating 3-D booths in an exhibition hall so you can chat with an admissions person, get information about student life and apply online. In addition to all of that, there's the digital media piece. We're bringing all of this content together, streaming live video interactions with young professionals, experts, admissions officers all in one place—and allowing students and parents to ask questions of these experts, which you would never be able to do in a physical environment"
While using interactive technology that students can appreciate is definitely a plus, there are a number of other issues related to a traditional college fair that you don’t have to worry about. You don’t have to worry about transportation or location, and there is no fear of running out of materials. It is cost effective and much more accessible for all parties. Not to mention it is just really, really cool. Watch the video below to see what I mean.