As we’re gearing up for our first launch, I thought it’d be interesting to tell the “longer” version of our story on here. All the stuff you might have missed on the “short version” will be up here for your reading (or skimming) pleasure.

So, the big question: What is Social Studies?

Social Studies is an interface for students to collaborate with each other more effectively. There is no need to sign up for yet another social networking account and remember an extra password. This runs on top of Twitter so sign up with your existing Twitter account. Not on Twitter yet? Don’t worry. Only 18% of college students are. I chose to run this on Twitter because it’s so simple to sign up, and even simpler to use.

Students follow streams dedicated to each of their courses and instantly connect with classmates in a digital study group environment. No friending, liking, or poking required. Ask questions. Share useful links. Stream class notes live and search classmates’ notes after class. Discuss lectures. Use GPS-technology to check-in and arrange study sessions or tutoring. Manage deadlines with our innovative calendar technology. Create a trustworthy feed of study resources by following dependable peers. All on the powerful, instantaneous micro-blogging platform of Twitter.

We are excited to be launching our splash page this week. We will be accepting e-mails to join the waiting list for an invite to the beta Social Studies launch in late August. Our initial launch will be exclusive to Colgate University for the start of the first semester. We hope to roll out dozens of new and exciting features by the Winter when we will be expanding to educational institutions nationwide.

We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Social Studies community. Stick with us while we revolutionize how students collaborate and communicate academically.

For more frequent updates on what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and who we’re doing it with, follow us on twitter: @socstudies.

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