Pros and cons of learning in social networks
We learn every day in everything we see and do, whether it’s watching TV, listening to the radio, or preparing a new dish. Similarly, we gain new ideas and thoughts while chatting with friends after school or in a classroom.
The appearance of social networks has opened new ways to learn and develop basic skills. Through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and other similar social networking websites, we meet innovative experiences, new concepts and meet distinctive people. It also acts as a great promotional tool where companies of various types can engage in ongoing discussions and build a strong network in due course.
However, critics of social networks are not impressed with the growing popularity of these sites. According to them, social media can hinder a student’s potential to study and get high grades on exams.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of learning on social media.
advantage
Instant engagement support
Traditional face-to-face communication is time-consuming and requires the physical presence of one or more people. In contrast, social networking websites support interaction, subject to geographic and time limitations. Plus, you don’t have to be face-to-face to have a conversation with a teacher or your classmates. You just need to log into a social media platform or online forum to chat with the teacher and ask him questions and get instant clarification.
Easy access
Social networking sites help to access information at any time and from anywhere, all over the world. You can go back to your friends in the social world to find an answer to a question asked in the classroom. You can discuss a specific topic between classes or check out other students’ completed assignments or projects posted on their personal blogs or online forums.
Multiple Learning Styles
Supporters of social media believe that it promotes multiple learning styles, especially by serving diverse student bodies and their learning needs. People post a variety of texts, audios, images, etc. on social networking sites to share the same with your group of friends. Thus, the social network somehow helps users to post or express their individual views, generating tons of content on the site.
cons
Uncertainty
You can access social tools only when you have an Internet connection at home or in class.
miscellaneous learning
Social media critics believe that web platforms engage students in unnecessary gossip, diverting their attention to something unrelated to learning. You can ruin a student’s educational life by expanding their connection to people outside of the learning community.
Administration of social networking sites
Often managing more than one networking site can be difficult for a student. He/she needs to login to each site to check for new posts and updates. Also, such vigorous activity can distract a student from listening to classroom lectures.
