Social media is computer-based applications that facilitate the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities.
Instructors cannot make assumptions about students’ proficiency with social media. Student proficiency must be taken into account when designing activities. For example, they may be proficient at communicating informally, but may not fully comprehend what is required to critically assess information, engage with information and present findings in an academic environment.
1. Online Networking
Gone are the days of traditional learning, as social media is promoted almost all the leading e-learning websites. As a student, you can take classes from the e-learning website and discuss your doubts using various social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
2. Social media as a communication channel
Effective communication plays a major role between students and teachers. If proper communication is not available, both teaching and learning will become difficult. With the help of the internet, students get connected with friends, colleagues, peers, family, and teachers too. It makes students become active participants rather than passive consumers of content.
3. Social media as a collaborative platform
Another vital benefit of social media is collaboration. Through collaboration, you can work together intellectually and socially to achieve a common goal. Students can use social media to gather and share information from both internal and external resources. You can generate your own learning contents too.
4. Social media as a marketing tool
Through social media, students can promote any college festival and activities. This is how you can ensure other students to participate in your college. You can also advertise your art and craftwork on this platform. And it’s also a good platform for fundraising.
5. News and Update
I know there are various news channels exist then why need to see news from social media? Students usually watch the news on TV spending some time in front of it, but on social media, you can get instant notification of news and if you find that particular news interesting you can click to see the whole news otherwise you can skip. It will save you time.
Benefits of social media
Learn new digital literacy skills
Improve knowledge retention & understanding
Increase class participation and motivate students
Build community; connect students to each and the global community
Become an effective member of an online community
Improve student writing (through writing for peers, feedback)
Learn a different style of writing
Go beyond text, e.g., images, video, design
Take classroom knowledge public
Let students show their personality
Improve student attitudes towards the course content
Digital citizenship
Global competency