Currently social media and technology have become a crucial part of our lives. Every individual who is an adult, definitely has an account on any of the popular social media networks like Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram, WhatsApp and so on. However, the most imperative question has recently come forward, ‘how is social online networking is benefitting the students?’ Can some of the features of social media be implemented in education which can not only unswervingly benefit the students but can also help bridging the new-age learning gaps if used in a safe and appropriate way?
Highlighting the educational methods and advantages of social media to improvise the academic performance of students, some of the points are highlighted below.
1. Ensuring Effective Communication
One of the biggest advantages of social media is better communication, and a student can connect with anyone at any point of time through Messenger, WhatsApp and other messaging applications. They can install these applications in their smartphone, tablet or computer, and use these channels to learners and exchange information, make phone or video calls. If a
Now, online learning has become an inseparable part of our modern education system as students from remote areas are participating in webinars and online conference to access education
student is stuck with his/her studies at some point, they can always effectively communicate with their friends or tutors. Without meeting their teacher physically, students can interact via social media which is a great platform to promote learning by offering support with sharing documents via applications such as Google Drive Box, Google Docs, and so on.
2. Finding Online Information
Currently, numerous websites and social media networks are ensuring plenty of information that can be helpful to students for their studies and research. through social media news feeds, students can come across informational and appropriate websites which post quality content relevant to current affairs and recent trends. Most students follow these sites to stay in the loop and aware of the current happenings. As per their interests and queries, students can find answers to their questions from various sites, such as Tumblr and Pinterest.
3. Parental Participation
Social media assist the parents to stay involved in the child’s learning, as they can remain updated on school-related activities, projects, and events that are happening via the school’s Twitter or Facebook feeds. Apart from that, the school teachers can get in touch with the parents in case they need to share the child's progress via Skype or other secure online platforms used by the educational institution. A different social network for parents can be created too via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, which has both parents as well as teachers as its members. This will enable them to stay informed and well-aware d about school matters, learning, and education. Here social media can be used to create a positive impact on students' performance as their parents can have a better access to their academic performance.
4. Distance Learning Opportunities
Another great benefit of social media in education is the distance learning opportunities which can benefit thousands of students at the current scenario. There are many underprivileged students who are not able to acquire formal education by attending regular classes in an educational institution. Also, after the pandemic breakout, almost all the students are forced to stay indoors as the educational institutions remain closed. With the help of social media and various other distinctive online tools, modern educators are not only able to attract students through distance learning programs but has able tom maintain the unperturbed flow of learning. Now, online learning has become an inseparable part of our modern education system as students from remote areas are participating in webinars and online conference to access education.
Therefore, it can be concluded that social media platforms have become a new-age necessity for the students. By enabling free voice and video calls, documents and links sharing, social media is highly effective in improving the academic performance and students learning.
