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What is the Role of Social Media in Education?

Social media websites, as a revolutionary phenomenon that changed the way people function, are the subject of numerous discussions in different fields, particularly in journalism and communicology. The data on the growth of online media are impressive. For the sake of comparison, the radio needed 38 years to reach an audience of 50 million people; television needed 13 years, whereas the Internet reached 50 million users in only 4 years. Today, the separation of the online from the offline world makes no sense. Everyone’s life is intertwined with websites and online tools. Education has been directly affected by students’ need to rely on online resources and communities. The role of social media in education is profoundly positive: these websites provide both students and teachers with access to more information, as well as a way of expressing their own opinions in front of a broader audience.

During the beginning of social media, the academic community was concerned that the penetration and expansion of these networks in all areas of people’s lives would result in reduced personal contact and serious distractions. However, the Facebook generation is more connected than ever. This community has immediate influence over the decisions that form contemporary educational trends.

What is Social Media?

A set of websites & applications that enable users for making as well as sharing anything for participating in social networking is called Social Media.

It is not just only limited to posting vacation snaps online. It is an interactive computer-mediated technology for sharing various ideas, information, career interests, and other forms of expression through apparent communities & worldwide networks.

Social media plays a very vital role in every student’s life. With its help, providing & fetching a lot of information, and communicating with friends, classmates, teachers & colleagues have become an easy-fit option.

Students & teachers now get connected while making better use of this platform for gaining & providing education, respectively.

Benefits of social media use in Education

Social media has become an indispensable part of our life. Not only as a source of entertainment but also as a vital form of learning. Everyone will have at least one account on one of the social media sites. There is a general belief that social media is a waste of time because it distracts students or schools.

However, this is not the case. If we take a look, many internet users are students and teachers, social media seems to have influenced the way students are taught and learn.

1. Social media as a communication channel

Effective communication plays a major role between students and teachers. If proper communication is not available, teaching and learning will be difficult. With the help of the internet, students can connect with friends, colleagues, peers, family, and teachers as well. It makes students active participants rather than passive content consumers.

2. Online Learning and Networking

Gone are the days of traditional learning, as social media is promoted on almost all the leading e-learning websites. As a student, you can take classes from e-learning websites and discuss your doubts using various social media channels like YouTube, Udemy, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

3. Experience global exposure

Social media allows students to interact with people all over the world, even they get extraordinary knowledge from them. They know the various cultures that exist in the world. This includes culture, traditions, language, lifestyle, food, customs, etc. Students can also study various courses at universities from around the world.

Social Media’s Impact on Education

Social media is a powerful tool in schooling that may broaden the learner’s perspective on many topics while highlighting fresh information. It allows them to interact with experts to find answers to problems they may be struggling with. Social networking has established itself as a reliable news source. As a result, it’s a wonderful platform for businesses to communicate with big groups of people.

The biggest benefit of using social media in education is that people quickly discover who the experts in various industries and disciplines are. When users start following these gurus, they will learn more about them and receive further assistance. As a consequence, they’ll be able to produce exceptional outcomes.

Social Media Influence on Education

Connectivity:

Social media networks have a wide reach of connectivity with the whole world that is used for providing knowledge and communication. Students use these platforms as an opportunity to connect among themselves and share relevant information. Having an online presence helps strengthen connectivity without any limitations on proximity.

Sharing of Knowledge:

It helps in the constant sharing of information and provides a platform to discuss problems with experts for anyone who is in need. Online teachings are available in the form of videos, and audio for students to study at home with ease.

Coverage:

It is a great way to reach out to potential students and professionals. It gives a chance to network with different industry experts and faculty of different institutions, social media can provide better industrial exposure.

Parental Satisfaction:

Parents can easily access and view the institute’s curriculum, and understand classes and teachers better to select the best available institute for their children. This helps them get clarity about the educational institute.

Top 15 Benefits Of Using Social Media In The Education Industry

How Does Social Media Create Value for Students?

There are several reasons why social networking is beneficial to pupils. Discussed below are a few of them:

For educational reasons, web-based social media sites can supply important material, such as examinations and pieces of information on specific elements, or statistics and observations on numerous subjects or concerns.
It is critical to be active on many social media sites as an academic institution. This aids in developing an improved student training approach and molding campus culture.