Statistics show that three billion people on our planet, almost 40% of the population, use social media. Nowadays, it is an essential part of the day, and not only adults know how to send emojis to friends. As soon as they can hold the phone and distinguish the button, children learn extremely fast to switch on their favorite cartoons on Youtube.
And as years go by, these children cannot be separated from the digital world. There are perks and withdrawals on the topic. But what most parents are afraid of is whether the online universe is a threat to the education system or the assistance. And while parents and teachers are worried about their younger children, older students are using the Internet, including social media, with might and main.
The perks of using social media at the educational process
Social media is not just a place to chat with friends all day round. They can be used for studying too. They are a truly powerful tool in the hands of wise mothers and dads. Via messengers, children receive home tasks from school or news about upcoming events from teachers.
They can also be given extra advice or talk with their peers to discuss group projects. How has social media reinvented schools and universities, and does it have more advantages or disadvantages?
Unhindered connection
A global technological revolution has firmly entered our lives. Previously, distance and time were the main obstacles to connecting limitlessly with friends and relatives. Now people can instantly exchange the files, virtually asking questions without waiting for a teacher’s consultation or remotely handing in their homework. The only barrier to limitless communication is now our technical illiteracy and ignorance.
Fast information exchange
Thanks to social networking, people can communicate in real-time with anyone, even from another continent. This can be mind blowing for our grandparents, usual to us, but the children now have never been in other circumstances. They do not just know how to use devices from childhood, they perceive it as an integral part of life. Therefore, the Internet should be implemented in all possible areas for this generation.
Fast access to any information one can imagine is a real helper for learning management, especially for university students. For example, lawyers do not need to spend days looking for exact wording in the famous case study or any other exceptional material in the library.
They take photos and screenshots and share information via Facebook, Snapchat messages, or other mainstream media messages, facilitating the process a billion times.
One can find thousands of examples of essays, papers, scientific works on the topic on different resources like PapersOwl or others. And then spread the information via social media with the peers to prepare for lessons. Easy, fast, and comfortable – that is how it works with the online learning process nowadays.
The opportunity of distance studying
We are adopting social technologies extremely fast due to covid restrictions. This education format has been successfully implemented all around the globe.
Students can stay in the office or sit on the sofa with their favorite cat – and still be effective. And the same goes with teachers during school hours – they can be teaching from home and give excellent lectures from the kitchen. None of them have to travel back and forth daily. This is very convenient for residents of large cities, where people spend a couple of hours on the road.
Finally, there is an opportunity not to be late for classes and not be torn between urgent matters and study. You have the chance to spend time studying whenever you want.
Individual pace
Another advantage, of course, is that you can keep your own pace with the techniques and materials. The learner can stop the recording on hold and, if necessary, repeat. Thus, students can work with advanced material and not be distracted. The learner selects the speed, depending on his personal circumstances and needs.
Not only theory
Switching to such a way of studying does not mean that the practical part will suffer. Students can study the theoretical course in detail and, if necessary, ask for practical tasks to implement knowledge. This is the perfect opportunity to use modern technologies by accessing electronic materials that you can refer to in the future.
The bigger range of professions
Another great idea on combining theoretical and practical parts is to find a part-time job in the field of study. These ways, students can implement information from the course right away and benefit their work.
This is actually a road to becoming a marketing specialist – after passing some courses or simultaneously. Social media is a real helper for the newest professions and is also a reason why these professions exist. Many young and creative personalities have more options to express themselves in digital marketing, SMM, or other related areas. This is an absolute education and job opportunities changer.
Psychological aspects
Many shy people find it easier to get into internet courses. Sometimes, it is not comfortable to respond to each participant in meetings. In this sense, distance learning has a significant advantage. Psychologists note that some individuals do not dare to ask questions during offline seminars, especially when many people are present.
This aspect is also related to the personal needs of every single individual – one can be fast at reading but bad at writing and vice versa. In an offline class, such unique traits create a problem for teachers to write a learning program that can be suitable for everyone.
Being free in choices
With distance learning, you do not have to adjust to the mood of the teacher or mates. You will not be distracted by other students and an unexpected cell phone call during a critical exam.
Conclusion
Scientists believe that the decision to integrate social media was rather a great idea, and they do not interfere with effective learning. They can both improve and worsen students’ grades. It all depends on what they use the social network for. For those who know the aim of the university in their life, social networks are a magic tool to make life easier and more fascinating.
