Social learning theory says that students learn best when they learn
from each other. Several studies have found that when students study together,
they earn higher grades, are more engaged, and are more motivated. For that
reason, teachers have incorporated group/team learning into their classrooms
for decades. Today's learners view social media as 'cool,' making it useful in
providing social learning activities that are both educational and engaging.
According to Dr. Richard J. Light of Harvard University's School of Education,
'This group learning format appeals to younger, socially conscious learners and
is built around the notion that many minds are better than one.' Social media
platforms can help to increase communication skills and provide a 'back door'
for shy learners. While many students struggle with speaking in front of their
classmates, they may feel more comfortable expressing themselves on social media. This
provides an outlet for students who are too intimidated to raise their hands in
class. Furthermore, social media relies on the written word, making it an
excellent means of improving writing skills.
Social media sites can increase
student collaboration. Social media sites provide an avenue for students to
easily contact one another regarding school projects, group assignments or for
help on homework assignments. Using social media in the classroom can encourage
more participation. Students who do not participate regularly in class may feel
they can express their thoughts through social media. Although this should not
completely replace in class participation it can help build the students’
confidence and encourage them to find their voice and be able to participate in
class.
Social media sites can be useful for helping through the homework. When students have questions about a class assignment they can easily post a message asking if anyone can help. They can also write a specific question to the teacher on a wall that other students can see. This allows the whole class to have access to the feedback from the teacher. Sharing resources is another benefit of social media. If the teacher needs to direct students to a particular online resource they can easily share the site through social media sites like Facebook, Blogger, or Whats App, according to the site the class has a group on.
Social media helps keep parents, teachers and students all on the same page. It is very useful for teachers to be able to post on social media sites about class activities, homework assignments and even school events. This helps the teachers, parents and students all stay on the same page about what is going on. Sites like Facebook also allow teachers to easily communicate through private messages to parents and students.
As a university teacher, I widely use Facebook as students love it. It extends the learning beyond the walls of the classroom and is very helpful as a builtin board. I tried using blogs but they were not as successful as Facebook. I also used whats app for small classes and the voice note was really helpful in enhancing students speaking skills.
Social media sites can be useful for helping through the homework. When students have questions about a class assignment they can easily post a message asking if anyone can help. They can also write a specific question to the teacher on a wall that other students can see. This allows the whole class to have access to the feedback from the teacher. Sharing resources is another benefit of social media. If the teacher needs to direct students to a particular online resource they can easily share the site through social media sites like Facebook, Blogger, or Whats App, according to the site the class has a group on.
Social media helps keep parents, teachers and students all on the same page. It is very useful for teachers to be able to post on social media sites about class activities, homework assignments and even school events. This helps the teachers, parents and students all stay on the same page about what is going on. Sites like Facebook also allow teachers to easily communicate through private messages to parents and students.
As a university teacher, I widely use Facebook as students love it. It extends the learning beyond the walls of the classroom and is very helpful as a builtin board. I tried using blogs but they were not as successful as Facebook. I also used whats app for small classes and the voice note was really helpful in enhancing students speaking skills.
