Social media has become very important to our everyday lives. Kids from 13 years can create their accounts on several social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc. So it is only normal that this crucial tool is leveraged within the educational sector, and we have seen instances of its success in this sector.
The use of technology in education provides students worldwide with massive opportunities and access that they can’t get in any other way. With the internet and the advent of social media in education, students can now exchange ideas, information, resources beyond the classroom walls and the limitations of textbooks.
However, several critics continue to ask questions about the necessity of these tools in education. Some skeptics think that education can continue traditionally without using social media, with many tagging it a distraction to the students. In reality, social media is capable of more benefits for students than harm and can fill in any learning gaps when used appropriately. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, among many other platforms, offer students access to information and communication online for free.
If you are one of the skeptics or critics of social media usage in education and learning, or you genuinely want to learn about its benefits, then this article from an author at rushessay.com is for you.
- Collaboration and communication
Improved communication is one of the significant benefits of social media. It allows students to connect with themselves and other people at any point through various platforms. These platforms can be accessed from their computers, tablets, or smartphones, and they can collaborate among themselves better, ask each other questions, hold video and phone calls, etc. One way to use it is to contact fellow students or tutors and communicate with them when they get stuck on their assignments or need something explained to them during their studying. So, they do not have to wait till they see their teacher or friends physically. The ability to share documents directly or through Box, Google Docs, or Google Drive is another way social media promotes learning. Teachers can even fix a time when they connect with their students through Facebook live or other platforms.
- Improved Learning Management System (LMS)
LMS refers to a software application created for the documentation, administration, delivery, tracking, and reporting of training programs, educational courses, or development programs. Social media can help improve learning management systems with features such as video, instant chat features, forums for sharing information, and other valuable resources that can be helpful for students. Fortunately, most of the LMS software has built-in social media platforms integrated with them so student interaction can occur within the system. This increases the students’ participation and makes collaboration easier for group projects.
- Global exposure
As mentioned commonly on several essay writing websites, social media offers students a broad platform to connect with anybody from anywhere in the world. Allowing student interactions with different people on a broad platform will enable them to gather immense knowledge crucial to their studies. They also get to learn about the diversity of culture around the world first-hand by relating with these people. This could include learning about their lifestyle, language, tradition, culture, food habits, etc. They can also get information about different courses available in various universities in other parts of the world.
Social media also allows the students to watch pre-recorded classroom sessions, with notes, for specific courses. They also have the platform to share their thoughts and ideas with people globally. Everybody gets individual identity from social media, and, incredibly, students from a young age can get recognition through these platforms. They also gain lots of knowledge and opportunities on social media.
- Distance learning opportunity
Social media enables distance learning, and this is another crucial benefit for the education sector. Several students are disadvantaged and unable to get formal education with educational institutions by attending classes regularly. The introduction of social media in the education sector and other online tools allows modern educators to reach and attract more students with distance learning programs. In a few years from now, this will be a significant part of the education system. It is now becoming a norm for teachers to host webinars through WebinarJam or live lectures through Skype so that they can reach those students living in the world’s most remote areas and make education accessible to them.
- Parental involvement
Another way that social media benefits students and the education system is by improving parents’ involvement in their child’s learning. Parents can get more involved and get updates about school-related activities, events, and projects through a Facebook feed or the school’s Twitter account, etc. When the teachers need to contact the parents to discuss their child’s progress, they can do so through Skype or other social media platforms that the school uses. They can also create a social forum for parents through Facebook or Whatsapp Messenger to easily get all information about their child’s education and other school matters.
According to some professional writing services, social media positively impacts parents’ level of communication with their children’s school. This allows them to learn about and observe their children’s progress and academic performance at the school. This will help the students do better in their studies because their parents are aware and on-hand to give them the best academic support that they need at home.
Conclusion
The introduction of social media into education is a welcome development because it makes learning smoother and more fun for the students while offering several other benefits. For example, it is a more effective, faster, and time-saving means of communication for students. Undoubtedly, social media has massive potential in education, and it may revolutionize education as we know it. First, however, students have to start adapting to the use of these platforms in their learning. There are much more benefits than this article can contain.
