Social Media Benefits In Education English Language Essay

cordial Media Benefits In Education English Language EssayIn to eld technological environment, it is important that teachers leaven their best to make expenditure of this innovative engine room. As explained by Thaker, this technology can be utilisationd to facilitate communication between the students and the teachers. However, this new form of communication can as well as overhaul p arnts in getting involved in the learning of their children. One way of enhancing this communication is through with(predicate) the procedure of loving media (Bienstock, 2012) (Thaker, 2011).There atomic number 18 a number of mixer net pull ining sites that can be use. Facebook1, Twitter2, Edmodo3, LinkedIn4, Twiducate5, Classroom 2.06and Google+7 be just few of the existent social media that one(a) can make use of in education.These media atomic number 18 being constantly used by al more or less everyone on everyday basis. The results obtained from Pingdom (2012) on the demographics of 2 4 different social media sites turn up that these media argon being used by different persons in different age groups. In fact, the study shows that even teenagers are making use of such media (Pingdom, 2012). However, one might argue, should we use such media in education, even though we get along of the problems and issues related to such media? However others might reason that we can non just eliminate the use of such a valuable and good accessible resource. Bienstock (2012) makes reference to the New York Times article in which Ms. Pust states I c completely that we would do more tidy keeping kids safe by teaching them how to use these as wellls and navigate this online world rather than locking it down and pretending that it is not in our realm. (Preston, 2011 in Bienstock, 2012)In the following sections, we will discuss the advantages that social media offers in the area of education. However, we are also going to point out the problems that these media might present and how to cope and eradicate them.Social Media Benefits in EducationStudentsDevelop communication skills students can gain social confidence from online interaction, which may help them feel more secure in new situationsIncrease skill in technology students become more familiar with new and emerging technologies, as well as increase their media literacy through exposure to m whatever different types of online mediaSince many students already use these forms of technology, they may be more engaged in learning if they utilize itOnline communities can be very diverse and expose students to many new view points, ideas, and opinionsSocial media can also be a source to increase talent to sound on group projectsStudents can develop an optimistic image of themselves by putting best qualities out thereEnhanced Collaboration acquiring selective information can be accomplished by students alone. But problem-solving skills are often better enhanced in a collaborative environment. Social med ia allow students to work together on projects beyond an individuals capabilityTeachers and SchoolsIncreased access to resources since learning materials can be sharedCollaboration amongst teachers and exchanging of lesson plans and informationCan reach parents who are incapable to come to school in a cheap and effective wayCan form partnerships with schools in other states or countriesEnhanced Flipping Social media can be used to enhance the teacher-student relationship. Students view recorded lectures or read curricular material outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, students complete what usually qualifies as homework. Teachers act as tutors, helping students through problem areas in their work.Modernize Discussions through social media teacher can credit students for in-class participation. This requires teacher to monitor which students are speaking up when.Communicate Between Classes Teachers can send out announcements, share ideas or pose questions to pupils, especia lly when classes are spaced several days apart.How well are schools using social media?(Harrison, 2012)SuccessesChallengesMaking safe communities some sites allow teachers to control online environments thus reducing dangers associated with social mediaLack of knowledge a schools social media account should be managed by someone who understands social mediaEncouraging collaboration students can critique and comment on each others assignments. They can easily work in teams online and asking teachers questions or starting a discussion is easyLack of features lack of engagement for students can make them feel as if the school doesnt care. Features should include one-on-one connectionInvitation to produce content social media can invite students and schools to produce content for both enrolled and prospective students. This can show the schools personalityMore than a presence a social media profile requires daily maintenance and interaction with studentsThe NCF (Ministry of Educat ion, Employment and Family 2011) argues that literacy, numeracy and digital literacy are the foundations for further learning. Our students are digital natives whether we like it or not. For us as teachers we urinate to accept this and exploit it to deliver the subject content to our students.Students and Social MediaOur students are continuously communicating through social media, in Malta the most popular one being Facebook. Can we stop this? No we can not as out students are equipped with laptops, tablets, iPads, smartphones all providing easier access to social networks. Introducing social media in education is not an easy step, as mentioned before students are continuously using it with most of them ignoring the possible consequences. When the topic is approached only on a theoretical level students think that it will never happen to them, for them there is nothing vituperate uploading any kind of photos to appear cool with their friends. They can not perceive that once a pho to is available on the Internet is available to anybody even though they select the Only Friends option.Social Media Problems and How to Minimise Them?The only way to deal with this problem is through educational videos that illustrate various situations which teenagers found themselves in because they didnt know it could happen to them. A teacher can start by showing these two videos http//viewpure.com/nOUu1fldBbI and http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK5OeGeudBMfeature=channel and discuss a set of questions with the students to call down important points from both videos the uploading of photos, anyone can watch your photos without you being aware of it. Students need to be amend towards social media. They afford a tool in their hands, they think of well-read how to use it exactly most of them dont. Teachers and parents accept to understand we cannot stop the social media hype. We as teachers cast off to educate about this tool.What can go wrong?Many students ask the questions What can go wrong? These are some of the answers that we as educators need to provideCyberbullying (CEOP, 2007) By using technology like mobiles or the internet, this type of bullying can affect someone not just at school, but at home as well. Because it takes place in the practical(prenominal) world, it has a 24/7 nature and can make someone feel upset or threatened in their own home. Students should be educated that this kind of bullying can be evidenced. With cyber bullying they can save text/emails/WebPages, print them and used as a proof to catch the bully.Sexting mortal taking an indecent image of themselves, and sending it to their friends or boy/girlfriend via a mobile phone or some other form of technology is sometimes referred to as sexting. Once these images have been taken and sent to others, control is lost of them and they can end up anywhere. They could be seen by friends and family, a early employer, or even, in some cases, end up in the possession an offender Thi s also puts that person who originally sent the images in a compromising position (CEOP, 2007), as somebody they may or may not know now has these images and could use technology to bully, harass or even try to locate them as seen in the videos. Students have to be educated to think Do I demand my schoolmates to see these photos, my family?Hacking Students should always choose the Log come in option so their account can not be hacked.False Identity People arent always honest with who they are, their age or what they look like. Students have to be share of whom they are confirming as a friend. It is very easy to lie on the Internet and there is no way of knowing if someone is telling the truth. Even if someone shows them a photo of themselves, this could be a picture of someone else or could be faked. This applies to webcam or video footage too seeing a person in a video, does not mean it is them. Students have to be educated not to meet the great unwashed they encountered everyw here the Internet. colony One has to be aware of the time and effort spent in establishing connections. It is very easy to become addicted, for some, these sites become one of the major concerns (CEOP, 2007). This can have adverse effects on a persons ability to work efficiently and affects ones health as well.Sometimes the best lesson to educate our students is not through speculation but providing them with actual facts. For example this article http//www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2201064/Man-murders-girl-16-testify-raping-years-agolured-death-posing-teen-Facebook.html narrates the story of a girl killed by her rapist before she could testify against him. He posed as a teenage boy on Facebook and told Shania Gray (the victim) he had a crush on her and they agreed to meet. He took her to a secluded park and barb her (Pullman, 2012).Everyone has a Facebook account why shouldnt I?Our society, educators, parents cannot hide from the reality that social media are part of our cultu re. The future generation are approaching their lives differently as they integrate digital technologies- such as computers, the Internet, instant messaging, cell phones and e-mail throughout their daily activities. As educators we can propose the following simple but effective SMART Rules (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012)Keep your personal information like address, mobile number safe. Make students think this question If I meet a stranger on the street would I give him my mobile number? The like reasoning has to be applied to a stranger met on the Internet.Dont suit Up. Social networks can be a place to encounter with new people. Students must always know who you are lambasting to. If an adult they do not know asks them to meet up, they have to be educated to say no.Accepting (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012) Educate students to think before they accept something from someone over the Internet as it might contain viruses with the sole purpose to steal information from someones com puter used by a hacker to keep data on people perhaps engaged by paedophiles. If students do not know from whom it is and it has an attachment, they have to delete it.Reliable (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012) Not everyone online can be trusted. Older men tend to lie about their age and who they are to meet female adolescents. This is a point we as educators need to stress onto students have to know who they are talking to.Tell (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012) Students should not be afraid of talking if someone is harassing or stalking them over the Internet. They have to talk with their parents, or a guidance teacher or any other trusted adult if someone makes them worried or uncomfortable online. Moreover if a student knows about a friend who has these kinds of problems he/she has to tell someone. It is not betraying him/her friends trust, it is helping and in some cases saving his/her friend.The Issue of No Physical interactionSocial media is a medium that enables communication b etween people from all over the world through the use of technology. Such interaction can be done from the comfort of your own home and this can facilitate the process tremendously.Some may argue that social media may present a dispute since the students are unable to socialise aright. This may be due to the fact that the interaction between peers is not presented in a physical manner.On the other hand, social media allows people to meet in ways that otherwise would have not been possible. Social media not only allows easier communication but eliminates the issue of geographical barriers. It allows students to form and (Tomaszewski, 2012) (Connolly, 2011) (Williams, 2011)maintain friendships, that otherwise would have been difficult or insurmountable.Such friendships allow students to learn and interact with other cultures other than their own. It allows wider knowledge sharing from people all over the world. Such interaction would not have been possible or would have been diffi cult and more costly if it had to be done physically.Therefore, when used with properly and with caution, social media allows not only learning to occur, but also friendships and knowledge sharing to take place.Avoid these when using Social MediaWe do not want more rules but as any other important tool Social Media should be used responsibly. We are in the day and age, were Social Media is used all the time by everyone and this is the main reason why we should be careful of what we do. We should educate our students how to use Social Media sites responsibly. These are a few rules, which if applied, help us appreciate the power of Social Media when used in the classroom. postal service Illegal Activities Although your profile may be set to private there are other ways and means how this content can become public and be view by anyone on the web. Once public, it will be impossible to remove that content from the internet.Trash Your Teachers Bullying can also include interactions don e on posts where teachers or school administration are mentioned. This can be a grave offence even if certain things may seem harmless to who stick on them.Post Objectionable Content from School Computers or Networks Do not use the school computers to post objectionable information. Some school networks can track this activity.Post Confidential Information This is very important as already mentioned before everyone can see the information you post so be careful not to post any personal information where people can track you.Overly Specific Location Check-Ins Do not use Social Media to say that you are home alone or in a remote location this will help even persons who are not willing to help to find you.Lie/Cheat/Plagiarize If a lie is shared on Social Media it is most probably that everyone will get to know. There can also be investigations regarding cheating and plagiarism.Threaten force When a threat is posted online even if anonymous, there will be investigations by the police and eventually will trace the offender.Ignore School-Specific Policies Always gestate by the policy of your school regarding Social Media.Unprofessional Public Profiles Students should be thoughtful of what to post online. Certain content might not be agreeable for an employer, who in the near future might go through ones profile. Do not say or put anything on your profile which you do not want a future employer to see.Never Rely on Privacy Settings 100% Students should never rely on privacy settings over good judgment,8says social media specialist, Andrew Moravick. Some Social Media networks have very good privacy settings but some are updated very often and not everyone can keep track.Post Emotionally Do not post anything on Social Media when feeling emotional about something. Thing may seem very different when analyzing the same scenario when feeling calm.As we can see, these are very simple rules students and everyone using Social Media can follow. We just have to keep in mind that anything posted irresponsibly on Social Media networks can have very negative effects.ConclusionSo far experts remind us that there are see dos and donts for integrating social media in the classroom. Social technologies are here to stay and it is import to help students learn how to used social media. Guide students in how to think deliberately about their use and consider the outcomes of proper and improper use of social media. This goal can be appropriately reached when teacher have received appropriate training on the use of social media. Full backing and support of the school administration is mandatory to fulfill this objective. Turning social media into an educational tool can be used to further a students education and enrich it.