Social Media: Education made fun

SOCIAL media, like Twitter, have become an integral component of our daily lives.We use it for socialising, networking and relaxing.

Many educators have also considered the potential for the platforms to be used for education. While the 140-character platform might seem like it is destined for celebrity stalkers and parody cat or dog profiles, some educators and students have successfully begun using Twitter for advanced education.

Below is a list of several interesting ways in which Twitter can be used to encourage education:

1. The University of Texas has facilitated discussions of lesson topics long after the classes have ended. Through hashtags students can debate, ask questions and discuss a topic for as long as deemed necessary.

2. As Twitter allows one message to be easily distributed to a large audience, it can also serve as an ideal platform to share announcements. As students are often seen scrolling through their timelines it makes sense that they would rather receive the notice while using social media than checking their emails. This also allows the students to discuss any notices or changes with each other in real time.

3. Educators can encourage their students to follow and communicate with other professionals in their field of study. This will help them gain real life insight and experience as well as network with potential employers.

4. Encourage a ‘topic’ of the day – this could vary from words, books, songs or facts. This could function as a supplement lesson for younger pupils as it facilitates creativity and makes learning fun.

5. Teachers and educators should encourage their students and pupils to use Twitter to read up on current events – both relating to their immediate lives and field of study.

6. Create a poll or start a hashtag conversation that enables students and pupils to highlight any issues or to make suggestions on lesson topics or areas that the scholars are struggling with.