5 Most Effective Ways Students Can Use Social Media for Education
There has been a rise in social media usage among a younger generation over the years. Social media has proven itself as an effective tool. Young people are using it to study, look for jobs and to make money. Young individuals have found a number of reasons to be a part of social networking websites as they make an effort to communicate inside their social systems. One reason is to preserve relationships with current acquaintances that were previously part of their social network. Even though there are exemptions, many social network website users mainly interact to support already existing social relations. Other studies have found that Facebook and instant messaging were not used to meet new people but to sustain existing social ties.
Below are a few ways describing how students use social media.
1. Maintaining Relations
Students use social media primarily to maintain relations. Social media accomplishes different communication needs for such users. Relations through the computer enables communication by letting users keep in touch with family and friends in a convenient way. They also use it as a way to learn about social events. The satisfaction received from this social site helps users sense that they are part of a peer network where they are updated about events and activities.
2. Social Media as a Valuable Tool for Studies
When it comes to studies, social media also proves to be a valuable tool. Some lecturers are realizing that most of their students spend a lot of time on these networks. It is because of this that students are not starting assignments until the very last minute. Lecturers have made use of this opportunity by posting their assignments on social media networks for students to access. This also helps students interact with their lecturers and post questions or problem areas they found in class. In addition, lecturers have found many benefits to aid their teaching such as public discussions, which formed an online community for students within the class.
3. Social Media as a Professional Tool
Students have also found ways to use social media as a professional tool. Some innovative minds use social media to market themselves and their products. For example, a student who makes beaded bracelets posts his work on his Facebook page along with prices for these bracelets. Curious college mates view his items on sale and purchase them. This student is using the social network as a professional tool to embrace careers.
4. Social Media as a Promotional Tool
Students can use social media to build their own personal brand that will be recognized by the time they graduate. Most of the time, important speakers may arrive at college and present information which is of high interest to a student. The speakers have little time to meet new students and give them guidance. In this short time, not all students get to interact with them. Social media proves to be such a platform that allows it. By gaining the attention of such speakers on social networks, the student is able to communicate with them, build their brand and if they end up lucky, work for that company.
5. Social Media for Colleges
Colleges are using social media networks to boost student-alumni relations. Some students may find life challenging at college and yearn for guidance from their peers. These peers may also offer advice to students about life after college. This advice includes career choice and help with essay writing and exams. This platform also allows students and alumni to keep in touch with the administrative body. The alumni can be informed about events and activities that take part in college.
Recommended reading: Students & Social Media: 96% FB | 84% YouTube | 14% Twitter | 10% LinkedIn
Some students in their class do not get the chance to interact with everyone, but it’s possible with the help of social media networks. This is through asking each other questions on the class Facebook page. On this page, students help each other understand topics, become aware of assignments if they have not been attending class, and are able to brainstorm on certain areas. Students are no longer using these sites to gossip and keep in touch with other’s event but are bettering their studies and knowledge.
Moreover, there are forums conducted in college where people share their experiences on social media. Students are advised not to post personal information on these networks as it can be easily used against them. Students should not post vulgar messages and pictures on these networks for the sake of their future employment. They are informed that some employers investigate the potential employee’s social media usage. The importance of this is to see if the employee is using it as a tool for spreading vices or in an appropriate way.
Social media is often abused. Its formation was for the purpose of cultivating and maintaining relationships among individuals. Students have realized its full potential and made the best of it. When they grow into young adults they continue using social media to maintain friendships, cultivate new relationships and keep abreast with activities (the example of alumni).
