As a school teacher, do you think the advantages of social media in schools are more than its disadvantages? How?

Social media is such a prevalent part of modern society especially for kids and teens.  In most schools phones and mobile devices have been banned from being used during the school day and social media websites like twitter and facebook have been blocked on school computers.  Schools are beginning to take a different approach by introducing social media into the educational system itself.  Here are some advantages and disadvantages of social media in schools and how it is being used for educational purposes.

Advantages of using social media in schools

1. SOCIAL MEDIA SITES CAN INCREASE STUDENT COLLABORATION

Social media sites provide an avenue for students to easily contact one another regarding school projects, group assignments or for help on homework assignments. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

2. Advantages of USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE Schools CAN ENCOURAGE MORE PARTICIPATION

Students who do not participate regularly in class may feel they can express their thoughts through social media.   Although this should not completely replace in class participation it can help build the students’ confidence and encourage them to find their voice and be able to participate in class. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA SITES CAN BE USEFUL FOR HOMEWORK HELP

When students have questions about a class assignment they can easily post a message asking if anyone can help.  They can also write a specific question to the teacher on a wall that other students can see.  This allows the whole class to have access to the feedback from the teacher. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

4. SHARE RESOURCES QUICKLY WHEN USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE schools

If the teacher needs to direct students to a particular online resource they can easily share the site through social media sites like twitter.  If the teacher wants the class to visit a particular site all they have to do is tweet the website and the entire class can view it with one click. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

5. SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS KEEP PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ALL ON THE SAME PAGE

It is very useful for teachers to be able to post on social media sites about class activities, homework assignments and even school events.  This helps the teachers, parents and students all stay on the same page about what is going on at school.  Sites like facebook also allow teachers to easily communicate through private messages to parents and students without having to leave phone messages and wait for a call back. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

5 advantages of using social media in schools:

1. SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BE A DISTRACTION IN CLASS

The first concern that comes to mind when using social media in the schools is how it will be a major distraction to the students during lessons.  Students could easily be sidetracked from an assignment and it could be difficult for teachers to tell who is paying attention or not.

2. IMPROPER USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE shcools

Students might take advantage of being able to access social media in the schools and use it for personal interactions instead of for school related activities.  If students are not closely monitored it will be hard to know how if they are using social media properly during class time. This is one of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

3. USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE school CAN DETRACT FROM HUMAN INTERACTION

If students are encouraged to participate in class discussions through social media websites this could impact their ability to interact in face to face situations.  Students still need to learn how to have conversations with people even in this modern technology based world.

4. CYBER BULLYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES

Some students have experienced cyber bullying through social media websites.  If social media is allowed in schools this could increase cyber bullying where students write hurtful messages targeting other students.

5. POSTING INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES

One of the reasons social media sites are not allowed in schools is because it is difficult to monitor how students use social media sites.  A student may post inappropriate content such as pornography or foul language which would be both distracting and damaging to students.

So, should schools use social media?

There are many advantages and disadvantages of social media in schools, so now the question is should schools allow social media in schools?  There are some websites that address the negative issues of social media but still allow social media to be used for educational purposes.

Do you think the advantages of social media in the schools are important? You may want to start thinking so. These are some of the most important advantages of social media in schools.

Source: schooliseasy

In my professional opinion, I believe that the use of social media networks in schools is unnecessary and utterly dangerous. However, I do also believe that teaching students how to properly use Social Media as a form of marketing and community service can be more beneficial than harmful. Shutting down the students' ability to use social media during school hours should be implemented, but allowing them to understand how to use it as a tool for work and for a career is a definite plus. Make it a part of computer class or make it an after school program. There are ways to regulate everything.

Social media, as a technology that is deemed “cool,” can attract younger learners. Social media platforms enable many engaging classroom activities, including “communities of practice” where learners can interact and share ideas. “This group learning format appeals to younger and improve their knowledge standards.

The advantages of social media to learn are many and overtakes the disadvantages like distracting young minds from studies and concentrating on other unwanted interests that may be gradually make one addicted and drag him out of track.

Don't think so. At school level, I feel the otherwise as the children are not matured enough and capable to take up things in a rights sense. Thanks.

well you follow the following web sites:

www.howstuffworks.com

http://www.answers.com/

www.whatis.com

www.gsmarena.com

I think, for the time being, these are enough to start with:).

Regards;

Ehsan Afridi

UAE