Social Media in the classroom

It is evident that social media plays a huge role in the world that we live in today. People connect with social media on a daily basis, whether it be via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. Social media enables the world to connect with one another and often social media affects the way that people think and feel. I think that social media could be a good tool to use in the classroom, especially since teenagers are probably the most frequent users or followers of social media. However, it is important that it be used in a controlled manner when using it as a method for teaching learners.

Most teenagers today, are so engaged with the world of technology, and I think that using social media in the classroom can make learning a lot more interesting and fun for learners. If learners were allowed to watch YouTube videos and read articles and reflect on them during class time, it could enable them to be connected with what is happening in the world and it would make things more realistic for them, rather than sitting in class after class, totally disengaged and forced to listen to a boring load of information that is read out to them monotonously and does not attract their attention at all.

Also I think that with the rapid advancement of technology it is important that learners keep up with developments and the fast pace media, in order to prepare them for what they will be encountering in their jobs and in their day to day life as an adult. So therefore allowing social media to be used in the classroom can be beneficial to those learners who are not yet engaged with social media, and the learners who are more techno savvy can help their friends who lag a bit behind. Obviously this would have to take place in a controlled and monitored environment, because if learners are just let loose on the internet who knows what they could end up watching or engaging with. Teachers need to facilitate this in such a way that learners are not tempted to just do their own thing, but actually use social media in the way that they are instructed to do so.

There are many pros and cons to using social media in the classroom, and I do think that it might not be effective in every subject, but for most it could be a vital element that enables teachers to create an atmosphere of learning in the classroom, by using a tool that is in the interest of the learners.