Social Media a boon or bane
The benefits of social media as a learning tool.
1.) It is a familiar tool.
Most of students are on social networking platforms, and these services are already tools that students are generally comfortable with and they can probably show you a thing or two in return.
2.) Improve your own knowledge and skills as an educator.
By learning how to use these platforms as a teacher, you are making yourself more aware of issues surrounding students today. If a student tells you a classmate is harassing them over Twitter doing something called 'tweeting', how can you investigate the situation unless you know how to search profiles and send messages yourself?
3.) Resource availability.
From current news feeds, following public figures, learning a new language or improving software skills, there is an endless range of free resources available through social media -- both linked and hosted. If you are looking for a debate, a video or commentary based on a recent news report, Facebook and Twitter's search functions make them a valuable and free set of tools.
4.) Improvement of research skills.
Being able to find information online is a skill that is now important in the workplace -- and one that can be taught through lessons designed around social media platforms.
5.) The improvement of communication.
If conducted within a controlled environment, then social media can be a way for students and teachers to communicate effectively. This could include sending out reminders, posting homework notes and organizing projects or events such as revision classes.
6.) Relevant, real-life learning.
Teaching students how to use social media in order to improve their job prospects can be extremely valuable. How do you find a job through Twitter? Who do you follow? Why do I need a LinkedIn profile?
7.) The promotion of digital citizenship.
Students have to learn about how to conduct themselves appropriately online. Not only do they have to face the
1.) It is a familiar tool.
Most of students are on social networking platforms, and these services are already tools that students are generally comfortable with and they can probably show you a thing or two in return.
2.) Improve your own knowledge and skills as an educator.
By learning how to use these platforms as a teacher, you are making yourself more aware of issues surrounding students today. If a student tells you a classmate is harassing them over Twitter doing something called 'tweeting', how can you investigate the situation unless you know how to search profiles and send messages yourself?
3.) Resource availability.
From current news feeds, following public figures, learning a new language or improving software skills, there is an endless range of free resources available through social media -- both linked and hosted. If you are looking for a debate, a video or commentary based on a recent news report, Facebook and Twitter's search functions make them a valuable and free set of tools.
4.) Improvement of research skills.
Being able to find information online is a skill that is now important in the workplace -- and one that can be taught through lessons designed around social media platforms.
5.) The improvement of communication.
If conducted within a controlled environment, then social media can be a way for students and teachers to communicate effectively. This could include sending out reminders, posting homework notes and organizing projects or events such as revision classes.
6.) Relevant, real-life learning.
Teaching students how to use social media in order to improve their job prospects can be extremely valuable. How do you find a job through Twitter? Who do you follow? Why do I need a LinkedIn profile?
7.) The promotion of digital citizenship.
Students have to learn about how to conduct themselves appropriately online. Not only do they have to face the