Social Media Network Technology - Essay Example

Social Media Network Technology Introduction Advancement in technology has contributed significantly to the current educationin the world. A significant number of teachers are using online tools to empower students to participate in their education. However, use of technology can also expose students to not only inappropriate material and sexual predators, but also harassment and bullying by peers. In tandem with this, the paper aims at expounding on the use of social media network technology and how it can be applied in e-learning. In addressing this, the paper will also expound on the advantages and disadvantages of using the technology in the classroom. Additionally, it will provide detailed information on the things that ought to be done to safeguard students’ privacy as well as security. Positive Impact of Social Media Network Technology The positive impacts of social media network technology in education are intense. Use of the technology as the teaching technique enables teachers to increase students’ participation in their education. Advancement in technological proficiency enhances collaboration among students in the classroom. Additionally, network technology enhances the development of students’ communication skills. Use of social media program also enables students to complete extra assignments, and as a result, improve their performance significantly. Use of social media in classrooms increases student collaboration (Owens, 2014). Student collaboration also increases the learning potential of students (Hosler, n.d.). In addition to this, the program reduced chronic absenteeism significantly (Social Networking In Schools, 2011). According to Karen Cator, one of the members from the U.S. Dept. of Education, online question and answer activities have a significant impact on the American education system. The creation of compelling assignments equipped with 21st-century skills, things students need to develop about critical thinking, and global participation enables students to grow all rounds. It is also argued that students who use Twitter to do their assignments, as well as hold class discussions, become more engaged in classwork than the control group (Social Networking In Schools, 2011). Use of social networking also improves communication among teachers, administrators, and students. “As an educational tool, social media enriches the learning experience by allowing students and teachers to connect and interact in new, exciting ways” (Lederer, 2012). In support of this, it is evident that students who rarely participate physically in class feel comfortable airing their views on social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. In other words, the platforms enable teachers to develop “back channels” that raise discussion as well as ideas that shy students find difficult to voice out. Disadvantages of Social Media Technology However, social media network technology has some disadvantages to education. “Students want to use social media for socializing, not as an extended classroom” (Leicht & Goble, 2014). Moreover, use of social media can be distractive in the classroom. Tools such as Facebook and Twitter can divert students’ attention from classwork and the learning process. Thus, incorporation of social media into classroom will make students go off. Cyber-bullying is a very common problem associated with social media sites. While the platform can improve the connection between teachers and students, it can also create room for malicious behavior in the school environment. A good number of students are often harassed online. Physical interaction has been lowered significantly by invention and development of technology. In tandem with this claim, use of social media network in the classroom can discourage face-to-face communication. The social networking platform will deprive students necessary skills that are gained only through real-life interaction (Social Networking In Schools, 2011). Incorporation of Social Media in Classroom Despite the above challenges of incorporating social media in the classroom, it is evident that their advantages bypass the negatives. As a result of this, educators need to introduce social media network technology in e-learning. They can achieve this through creating online sites where students and teachers will have online discussion boards as well as live charts. The teachers will boost the usage of the media further by posting assignments and learning modules on the learning sites such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. In connection to this, the teachers can also design a site that combines social networking tools. Social media also affects the ability of students to do face to face communication (Brannan, 2014). The designing of sites that incorporates the use of social media tools as well as the creation of social media learning sites will require necessary measures to be taken to reduce their abuse. One of the measures teachers can take to partner with National PTA so that can promote responsible besides safe Internet use for students and teachers. In addition to this, orienting students about social networking threats and safety can also contribute to the provision of a secure platform for social networking activities. The security of the children, as well as their privacy, can also be achieved through advising the students to modify privacy setting before posting their views on the social media site. Conclusion The positive impacts of social media network technology in education are intense. Social media networking increase students’ participation in their education and enhance their collaboration in the classroom. It makes students complete extra assignments that improve their academic performance. Use of social networking also improves communication among teachers, administrators, and students. In future, social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube will be used in advancing education. These sites will allow students to share issues that are disturbing them in class. The disadvantages of use of social media in classroom include creation of distraction in the classroom, cyber-bullying and harassment, and discourage face-to-face communication. Incorporation of social media in classroom e-learning involves designing sites that allow incorporation of other social media sites and introduction of a common social media site for the classroom discussion. References Brannan, F. (2014). Pros and Cons of Social Media Usage for Students. Retrieved from http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/1402-pros-and-cons-of-social-media-usage-for-students Hosler, A. (n.d.). 6 Pros & Cons of Social Media in The Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/uncategorized/6-pros-cons-social-media-classroom/ Lederer, K. (2012). Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/19/pros-and-cons-of-social-media-in-the-classroom.aspx Leicht, G., & Goble, D. (2014). Should teachers be using social media in the classroom?. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/social-media-valuable-tool-teachers/ Owens, M. (2014). Using Social Media in the Classroom: Why There’s A Lot to Like. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-articles/using-social-media-classroom/ Social Networking In Schools: Educators Debate The Merits Of Technology In Classrooms. (2011). The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/27/ social-networking-schools_n_840911.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in Read More