“What is it like being part of the USC community,” is a very interesting question. It raises the concept of virtual space and online communities. Ultimately it begs the question, “Is it possible to feel a part of the USC community if I’m not physically on campus?”
I’m not an expert on virtual space, but I do love spending time online, especially shopping and researching. “Online” has become a specific “place,” just as home, school, and work are “places.” People use the same terminology to refer to “online” as they do to physical spaces. “I’m going online.” “I was chatting with friends online.” “I’m going shopping online.” Yet, though online is a distinct place, it is not tangible, it doesn’t require physical space (except for your computer), it’s virtual.
We inhabit this nebulous space as online shoppers, bloggers, media consumers, students, etc. We share our lives on Facebook and Twitter with family and friends—and sometimes with anyone who will listen, look, or read. We become connected to others occupying this virtual place and form communities. This is where my question comes in. Can I feel like I am part of the USC community without being in California? Some how, I do. Writing this post, prompted me to wonder how USC has made me feel this way. I think it’s a combination of factors. I have a USC email address, I receive invitations to campus events, and I’m updated on USC sports, to name a few. Additionally, the MAT@USC website interface— images of campus, video of faculty introducing course units, faculty interviews—helps to make me feel connected to USC. I also feel connected to another online community, the MAT@USC community of online students. We are becoming connected through forums, wall posts, and our video-conferenced class discussions. I feel a connection with these students because, though we are scattered across the country, we interact with each other constantly.
Of course, the use of “Fight on!” as the sign-off for USC correspondence also makes me feel connected. Hopefully, it helps you feel connected, too.
Until next week, Fight On!
If you’d like to know about how to become a teacher in Connecticut and make a difference in your local community, contact our Admissions office at 888.MAT.1USC or email us at matadmit@usc.edu.
