5 Benefits of Social Media to students
In this article, Compiled by Lofty Scholars, we are going to talk about Benefits of Social media to students or how the use of social media contributes to improving learning and teaching. We will also discuss the different types of social media and how you can use them effectively, but before we look into that, quickly run through the content below and learn what social media is.
What is Social Media?
According to the dictionary Oxford, Social Media means websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.
In order words, social media refers to a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through virtual networks and communities. Social media is internet-based and gives users quick electronic communication of content, such as personal information, documents, videos, and photos. Users engage with social media via a computer, tablet, or smartphone via web-based software or applications.
Types of Social Media;
Social Networks
Media Sharing Networks
Media Sharing Networks
- Quora
- Digg
Bookmarking & Content Curation Networks:
Consumer Review Networks:
- Yelp
- Zomato
- TripAdvisor
Blogging & Publishing Networks:
- WordPress
- Tumblr
- Medium
Benefits of Social Media to students
1. Social media can help promote better organization while studying:
Social media has the potential to aid in better organization while studying. Although some students use traditional methods such as a planner or a phone to keep track of their study schedule, these methods have their limitations. For instance, one can easily turn off alarms or misplace their planner. However, according to an article titled “How Social Media can Help Students Study,” students who are already using social media can benefit from using it to share study materials online via platforms such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Typically, social media is viewed as a means of taking a break from studying, but what if it were utilized to help students stay focused while studying?
2. The best method of studying is through a collaborative effort:
Collaborative studying is considered the most effective method by many students. A popular way of doing this is by meeting up with friends prior to a significant exam. However, according to a Communications team in an article titled “How Social Media can Help Students Study,” it would be advantageous to create group hashtags or invite professors to follow a group chat. This way, if there are any errors while studying for a test, someone in the chat is likely to identify and correct them.
Henry Marshall, in his article “How Social Networking Sites Can Help Students to Study for a Test,” suggests that utilizing social media for class communication can facilitate discussions among students and possibly even teachers. Students can use platforms such as Twitter or Facebook to discuss what they’ve learned in class, ask questions, and offer each other assistance. This not only enhances academic performance but also fosters a more inclusive learning environment for students.
3. The format of social media sites can be a more engaging way of learning for students:
Using social media formats can be a more engaging approach to learning for students, especially for younger students. Reading hard copies of short stories and sitting in classrooms to discuss what they have learned can become dull. According to Wainwright’s article “7 Fun Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom to Enrich Learning,” students are already absorbed with social media outside of class, so integrating it into the classroom is a certain way to capture their attention instantly.
Additionally, it’s a straightforward way for them to share resources and help each other. By incorporating this method, teachers can break up the old routine and make learning more exciting for students. Ultimately, we know that the most attentive students are the most successful ones.
4. Social Media can help inspire teachers and students alike;
Social media can be a source of inspiration for both teachers and students. Some teachers may worry that they are stuck using the same lesson plans year after year because they believe there are no new ways to teach the curriculum mandated by the school board. However, this is not the case. Social media, such as Pinterest, can transform a boring lesson plan into an exciting and interactive experience.
In “Back-to-School with Pinterest,” Beth Rheingold states that she created a board called “Educational Resources” and used search terms like “classroom management” and “classroom organization” to find new and innovative ideas. She even found a solution to the problem of making class notes and printed handouts available to students who were absent thanks to Pinterest.
Pinterest is not the only social media site that can promote creativity and organization in the classroom. Twitter can also be utilized to share links with classmates and gather fresh ideas for inspiration.
5. Social Media sites help strengthen communication skills in students;
Social media sites can help students improve their communication skills. However, some English teachers in the current educational system wrongly believe that formal writing is the only acceptable means of communication. This misinformation can be harmful to students, particularly given the prevalence of social media and other forms of technology used for communication.
Alrubail’s article, “Social Media and Students’ Communication Skills,” highlights the need for teachers to appreciate and nurture students’ voices in the classroom, regardless of the outlet they choose to use for communication. When teachers emphasize the importance of good digital citizenship, students are more likely to practice it.
English teachers should recognize that all forms of writing, including texting, tweeting, and blogging, constitute “real” writing. By promoting this understanding, teachers can effectively advocate for good communication skills among their students.