Social Media :)

Social Media tools are used by communities of people as a way of communication. Over the years Social Media and Social Networking have completely transformed the way people communicate with others (i.e. going online to talk to your friends instead of picking up the telephone). Social Media takes many forms such as Facebook, Skype, Email, Msn, Twitter etc. Although these involve different processes, they are all about a community of people communicating, either all at the same time (synchronistic) or at different occasions over a period of time (asynchronistic).

            So is Social Media right for the Classroom? I think yes! Most children nowadays have access to a computer, a mobile phone with internet, an iPad etc so I feel teachers should use this as a tool for education. Using these tools in the classroom would help to engage the children as it offers opportunities for socialisation with others. The Social Learning theory explains that humans learn through others and interacting with others so Social Media tools provides more opportunities for this to take place. The tools can encourage dialogue and communication in the classroom as some shy pupils are much more comfortable using the internet to talk as it seems less intimidating than face-to-face contact. It can encourage children to express themselves, without feeling silly.

 Another advantage to using social media tools in the classroom is that it can be used to build connections with other students, classes, schools and even countries. It provides more and more opportunities for social learning and also opportunities for learning about other cultures. Overall all I feel social media tools are effective to use in the classroom and I am looking forward to using them with a class at some point in the future.