Commentary on Social media Applications for the Support of Collaborative and Community-Based Learning - Essay Example

Research and theory has shown social media to have numerous advantages for collaborative learning, including the creation of a network of peer support, enhanced opportunities for communication and knowledge-sharing and the facilitation of multimedia as methods of instruction. Pitfalls involved in this centre primarily on the lack of non-verbal cues and the possibility for inappropriate content and misinterpretation of communication. Based upon the authors own experience of using social media applications in collaborative learning, such as ThinkBinder and Edistorm, it is found that the theoretical potential of these applications in support of collaborative learning is largely realized, particularly in the areas of peer-support, diversity of communication methods and convenience.

Disadvantages surround the lack of non-verbal cues. It is recommended that the inclusion of another form of media, such as podcasts, may have enhanced learning even further.  Communicative and collaborative technologies such as social media applications are becoming increasingly important in both the workplace and in educational environments. As Gordon (2006) suggests, organizations and educational institutions alike are increasingly adopting online collaboration tools as platforms where data, information, and knowledge about a particular topic can be shared among employees, students or team members.

Many such social media applications are relatively new tools that are used to promote collaboration and learning as well as enhance knowledge sharing. By their nature, these tools have increasingly facilitated the development of virtual teams and enabled community-based learning. This facilitation is not solely due to the technical features offered by these applications, but also by the network of peer support and degree of learner control they enable. In analyzing the potential and pitfalls of social media applications in support of collaborative learning, it is vital to first outline the theory behind collaborative learning and the necessary environment and conditions which must be present if collaborative learning is to occur.

This essay will then review the literature concerning social media as a means of supporting collaborative learning, including suggestions about possible disadvantages. It will conclude by assessing the