Can a Facebook App Prevent College Dropouts?

I found an interesting article earlier this week on the website http://www.good.is . The article is basically about how Bill Gates wants to try and restore Facebook back to its original purpose: creating networks for schools (specifically colleges). Through a huge investment in a Facebook Application called the "School App", Bill Gates wants to connect prospective college students to their choice school as soon as they are admitted. There, the students can share information and makes plans even before they arrive on campus. The main idea is that students will feel more connected to their college and the people in it and become less likely to drop out.

Reading this article reminded me of being in that same predicament last year after I was admitted to St. Olaf. Our college strongly encouraged every student to join the "Class of 2014" Facebook group where we discussed plans such as what classes we would take, our majors, interests, etc... And I do believe that was helpful for many students- especially ones who lived out of state or country. The reality is that most other colleges do not push as hard for students to join that group before they begin the fall semester, and it can be especially difficult for large state universities to get a majority of students to join that group.

After reading the article, I'm curious to find out others' opinions on the subject as well. Do you think that this is a genius idea? What about students who do not have a Facebook, how will they feel more included? Do you feel that St. Olaf's admitted students page was helpful to you? Should Facebook return back to its original intention- social networking for schools?

Read the article to find out more: http://www.good.is/post/can-a-facebook-app-prevents-college-dropouts-bill-gates-thinks-so/