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Social Media for Education: Should Teachers Use Them?

15 Dec 2022

Written by: Vallerie TanuwijayaYear 9, School Year 2022/23

Social Media for Education: Should Teachers Use Them?
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We are now entering an era in which advance technology has become necessary in our daily lives. On our academic path to the future, we often learn using textbooks and lectures. Although practical, and can continuously be improved; not everyone learns best through books and talks. With that brought into consideration, I believe the implication of modern technology such as social media in our educational path would significantly increase student productivity in a classroom setting.

Teachers can use social media platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Brainly, and other trusted sources to make learning more interactive and alluring for students. Instead of giving lectures, teachers can showcase a video or introduce a fun activity related to the topic (like using Kahoot). Not only would this make learning fun, but it would also be educational at the same time. Teachers can also register their classes into online educational campaigns so that students can learn more during after-school hours.

By using social media platforms, students can dive deeper into topics they are particularly interested in; rather than being confined to the pre-determined subjects given. Through a simple search, we can know who is an expert in a specific field and decide who to follow. When students get the opportunity to do so, they can grow to become more passionate about learning. Free access to social media allows students to find websites that can help with their studies or revision for upcoming tests. These platforms can help students research and fully comprehend a particular topic which would benefit students who may be struggling.

Teachers and students can also create a platform; in which they can upload what they have learned in a summary and compile all of their past projects in a single digital portfolio. Teachers can read these portfolios and see how much each student has comprehended a particular topic, but also for students to showcase their creativity and understanding.

Teachers can also form a conjoined class where students can learn and collaborate with other schools. By doing so, students can learn from other peers and learn to appreciate diversity. Students can also get the benefit of interacting with peers with similar interests to them.

It would also be wise to encourage students to publish their works openly, as they can learn to build up their self-confidence. In the long run, teachers can get in touch with universities and enroll students in their educational campaigns and programs (such as Model UN, coding, entrepreneurship, and many more). By introducing these programs, students can learn new skills that will benefit them in the future.

Although many benefits come with the implication of social media, there are still some risks involved. Students can also get easily distracted and may not stay focused on the topic at hand; which is why it would be wise to download an app that can help monitor the activity of students during school hours. By implicating social media in learning, students have the chance to familiarize themselves with the usage of modern technology and how to behave appropriately in a digital environment.

I am sure that the use of social media would greatly benefit the future of education in many ways; it all just depends on how we use it in our daily lives. As someone famous has once said, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important” – Bill Gates