Learning Via Social Media
Research concludes that social media websites such as: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.
are increasingly being used for both personal and professional reasons.
Nowadays, people are using these tools not only to stay connected with friends, but also to interact and build on networks with like-minded professionals.
Social Media Examiner conducted a survey involving over 3,800 people, on the basis of which they published their 4th annual "2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report".
As per the report, "83% of marketers indicate that social media is important for their business.
" According to 85% of the respondents, social media marketing has helped them get more business exposure, while 69% of them said social media has helped increase their website traffic.
Thus, from the statistics we can conclude that in addition to networking, social media tools help educational and corporate organizations train and develop core competencies.
Let's discuss how learning can take place via social media sites.
Enhanced Collaboration and Discussion Social networks and online public forums have allowed for a 24x7 access to discussion boards customized for educational needs.
Students can use Facebook, Twitter, and similar sites to talk and discuss about specific assignments or projects not only with their peers but also with the teachers.
Online public forums such as "StudentAwards", a free service meant for the Canadian universities and high schools students provide valuable information about scholarships, grants, fellowships, and such other forms of financial support.
Thus, social network tools and forums are used by a number of schools, colleges, and universities worldwide to chat, discuss, and share learning content, images, videos, and website links with the students.
Distance Learning and "Flipped" Classrooms The concept of a "flipped" classroom is the 'in' thing.
It means traditional classrooms have given way to more dynamic, virtual classes.
A student no longer needs to attend classes in person.
Lessons can now be conducted via a series of videos.
For example, YouTube is being used by teachers/instructors to deliver content to students residing at remote locations.
Furthermore, the key benefit of learning via social network is that you can learn at your own pace (by pausing and rewinding a video at your convenience!) Teachers don't need to spend money on building "brick and mortar" classrooms and buy classroom accessories.
Moreover, the concept of distance learning has allowed individuals to learn without coming face-to-face with the teacher.
Online forums allow learners to talk and discuss with the teachers and with access to immediate clarifications on issues.
Convenience of Learning Anytime With social media, a new pattern of teaching and learning has emerged.
Instead of teachers giving lectures in class, students watch the lectures and learn at their own convenient time.
They can submit homework online and receive feedback or suggestions from the teacher instantly through participation in online discussion boards.
Besides, teachers are available round-the-clock to help students with their homework and address their problems and likewise tailor education on the go.
are increasingly being used for both personal and professional reasons.
Nowadays, people are using these tools not only to stay connected with friends, but also to interact and build on networks with like-minded professionals.
Social Media Examiner conducted a survey involving over 3,800 people, on the basis of which they published their 4th annual "2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report".
As per the report, "83% of marketers indicate that social media is important for their business.
" According to 85% of the respondents, social media marketing has helped them get more business exposure, while 69% of them said social media has helped increase their website traffic.
Thus, from the statistics we can conclude that in addition to networking, social media tools help educational and corporate organizations train and develop core competencies.
Let's discuss how learning can take place via social media sites.
Enhanced Collaboration and Discussion Social networks and online public forums have allowed for a 24x7 access to discussion boards customized for educational needs.
Students can use Facebook, Twitter, and similar sites to talk and discuss about specific assignments or projects not only with their peers but also with the teachers.
Online public forums such as "StudentAwards", a free service meant for the Canadian universities and high schools students provide valuable information about scholarships, grants, fellowships, and such other forms of financial support.
Thus, social network tools and forums are used by a number of schools, colleges, and universities worldwide to chat, discuss, and share learning content, images, videos, and website links with the students.
Distance Learning and "Flipped" Classrooms The concept of a "flipped" classroom is the 'in' thing.
It means traditional classrooms have given way to more dynamic, virtual classes.
A student no longer needs to attend classes in person.
Lessons can now be conducted via a series of videos.
For example, YouTube is being used by teachers/instructors to deliver content to students residing at remote locations.
Furthermore, the key benefit of learning via social network is that you can learn at your own pace (by pausing and rewinding a video at your convenience!) Teachers don't need to spend money on building "brick and mortar" classrooms and buy classroom accessories.
Moreover, the concept of distance learning has allowed individuals to learn without coming face-to-face with the teacher.
Online forums allow learners to talk and discuss with the teachers and with access to immediate clarifications on issues.
Convenience of Learning Anytime With social media, a new pattern of teaching and learning has emerged.
Instead of teachers giving lectures in class, students watch the lectures and learn at their own convenient time.
They can submit homework online and receive feedback or suggestions from the teacher instantly through participation in online discussion boards.
Besides, teachers are available round-the-clock to help students with their homework and address their problems and likewise tailor education on the go.
