The impact of social media is undeniably large in today’s society. A few simple platforms have allowed us to remain in contact with those we love, build new relationships, and stay informed on important news and topics, thus truly transforming our daily lives.
However, social media might be beneficial in the sphere of education as well. From school-age children to university students, social media networks have the capability to empower both teachers and students to enhance their educational processes. Here are just some of the many ways social media is reshaping the educational system of today:
Simple access to information
Whether it’s caused by recent global events or increased reliance on technology, e-learning platforms are continuing to rise in popularity, especially across the US and many European countries.
This has proved to be quite beneficial for students, making important information more accessible than ever. Classes can be attended online, material and resources can be found on digital platforms, and additional training opportunities can easily be found.
This becomes even more advantageous when combined with traditional social media platforms. By interacting with other students on social media and sharing their knowledge and collecting the material, students can learn more from like-minded people, enhance their educational paths, and broaden their horizons.
Supporting independent research
While many believe that social media can aid in spreading misinformation and pushing certain narratives to individuals based on tricky algorithms, the opposite might actually be true for younger generations.
They tend to think more critically than their predecessors, and value well-thought-out arguments supported by credible resources. Social media websites such as Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram have significantly contributed to this phenomenon.
These platforms have encouraged students to step out of their bubbles and communicate more with individuals with different opinions and viewpoints, thus sparking intellectual debates.
As a result, young people often do extensive research to support their own arguments and perspectives, which can aid their education tremendously.
Providing additional resources
Along with traditional social media websites, students have access to a number of different online platforms today. For instance, Singaporean students attending the Nanyang Technological University often utilize helpful NTU projects to support their learning process.
Representing an extensive digital collection of essays, study notes, and other material written by previous university students, these projects can be quite beneficial to current students.
This gives them easy access to relevant material pertaining to the subjects and topics they’re currently exploring, along with additional resources they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
In turn, students can gain additional information and deeper insights into the important subject matter, thus streamlining their educational journeys.
Enabling personal development
Social media can provide a number of unique opportunities, including the ability for individuals to build themselves and their brands. They have the option of creating and selling their own products, enhancing their skills and capabilities, or simply exposing themselves to a wider audience.
For example, a platform such as LinkedIn can enable students to learn more using unique resources, connect with industry professionals, and find new internships and job opportunities before even finishing school.
This can be an excellent method of personal and professional development, and many young people are already deciding to take advantage of these wonderful growth opportunities.
Facilitating more effective learning
There’s no denying that the use of social media in education has already proved effective, especially when supporting the learning process among students.
When writing argumentative essays or complex projects, students had to make frequent trips to the library to support their arguments in the past, which was quite time-consuming and distracting.
Nowadays, they can use social media to contact industry experts directly and get clearer perspectives and different opinions on relevant topics.
The use of video-heavy networks has also made learning more efficient by providing additional information and more in-depth knowledge regarding subject matters and enabling a personalized approach to education according to a student’s schedule and learning pace.
Building stronger communities
As already mentioned, social media provides a unique chance for making connections. Students can connect with industry experts and teachers can connect with their students, but these platforms could also provide some more interesting and beneficial opportunities.
For instance, social media networks can be integrated into administration processes, enabling heads of educational establishments to easily hold meetings with parents, inform students of any news, or even start fundraising events for school projects.
When it comes to students, the most important connections they can build through social media is with one another. Mutual sharing, communication, and support among students will lead to more effective learning.
Social media is an important aspect of our modern lives, and it only makes sense to incorporate it into the educational process. The use of technology can enable access to information, support independent research, and facilitate personal development, all vital factors of effective and successful learning.