Author : Heaven Smith
Author : Heaven Smith
What is Social Media?
Maya Dollerhide describes social media as technology that promotes sharing, and communication through virtual networks (Dollarhide, 2023). This technology has grown exponentially and become increasingly unique as the years go by. The first social media sites were created in the late ‘70s. It’s estimated that Bulletin Board Systems were the first to be introduced in 1978. They were used to inform members of a Chicago computer club until they gained popularity. CBBS systems are still used today! An extension of the CBBS system was added in 1988, the Instant Relay, Instant Messaging, and Chat Room update (Hines, 2022). This created the groundwork for social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter that rely on instant messaging and direct messages (Hines, 2022). Despite being around since the ‘70s its common users are young adults, teenagers, and children. Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu called social media “the ultimate form of human communication” (Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu, 2020, p.346 ). This is one reason why it’s being thought of in an educational sense.
With the growing popularity of social media comes new questions, especially in this post-pandemic era. With the pandemic forcing many schools to adopt online learning and new software such as Zoom, it’s been questioned whether social media would be fruitful in an educational setting, and how it could be used. Chloe West states a few ways to use social media in a classroom, such as live streaming lectures for students to rewatch, or those who are absent. Creating class boards that allow students to ask questions amongst themselves, and sharing school events to create a more lively environment (West, 2023). While we start to see its use in an educational setting it brings up many concerns, which brings up the next topic. What are the positives and negatives of social media usage in the classroom?
Pros and Cons of Social Media in Education
The University of Toronto starts this section off strong. Their benefits are plenty such as helping develop digital literacy skills, improve typing efficiency, allow personality, and increase participation (University of Toronto, 2022). Let’s break down those statements. More professional careers are beginning to rely on technology and utilize it in multiple industries. This gives increasing importance to digital literacy and typing efficiency. The ability to maneuver technology, send emails with proper grammar, and work different programs increases. Occasionally teachers see social media as a way for students to remain connected and communicate with educators. They even acknowledge it as a tool for developed self identity (Haşiloğlu, Çalhan, and Ustaoğlu, 2020, p.347).
On the opposing side, multiple problems arise. Susan Cumberland speaks of the threats. Social media potentially exposes students to a myriad of problems. It can become a distraction, diverting students' attention from their teacher or assignments, allowing them to use it inappropriately during school hours. It also opens up the prospective for cyberbullying (Cumberland, 2022; Mayo Clinic, 2022). With hundreds of students using social media it becomes hard to monitor them properly, allowing cyberbullying and rumors to spread throughout the school. Many students will take advantage of barely monitored social media usage and post content not suitable for school that can be damaging (Cumberland, 2016).
Reflection & Conclusion
Concerns remain of whether social media should be used in an educational setting. University of Toronto has stated positive assessments that suggest this is a good idea, stating all the benefits that social media would have on students (University of Toronto, 2022). On the other hand Mayo Clinic and Cumberland have stated problems that would create a negative environment and harm students. For example cyberbullying would become a rampant problem, and it creates the probability of students using it improperly (Cumberland, 2016; Mayo Clinic, 2022). These are factors that should be thought of including the students receptiveness to it, efficiency in the classroom, and relevance. With the arguments that can sway it either way this leaves discretion to the teachers and school district.
A. Create Educational Conversations Surrounding the Topic at Hand
B. Communicating with Others Outside of Class Hours
C. Messaging People in Other Classes To Compare Work
D. Create Both and Convenience and Uniqueness in Learning and Teaching
E. A & D
F. B, C & D
A. Con - Cyberbullying Becomes a Possibility
Pro - Improves Class Participation
B. Con - Impossible to Monitor Properly
Pro - Helps Teachers Communciate with Each Other
C. Con - Creates A Distracting Environment
Pro- Fun To Use and Catches Attention
D. Con - Creates Addiction and Dependence
Pro - Increases Typing Efficiency
Cited
Cumberland, S. (2016, May 31). 5 Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom for Educational Use. School is Easy Tutoring. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.schooliseasy.com/tutor/tutor-blog/social-media-in-the-classroom/
Dollarhide, M. (2023, January 8). Social Media: Definition, Effects, and List of Top Apps. Investopedia. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp
Haşıloğlu, M., Çalhan, H., & Ustaoğlu, M. (2020). Determining the Views of the Secondary School Science Teachers about the Use of Social Media in Education. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 29(3), 346-354.
Hines, K. (2022, November 8). The History of Social Media. Search Engine Journal. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media-history/462643/#close
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 26). How to Help Your Teen Navigate Social Media. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation. (2022, November 10). Teaching with Social Media. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://teaching.utoronto.ca/resources/teaching-with-social-media/
West, C. (2023, January 3). 12 Ways to Use Social Media for Education. Sprout Social. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-for-education