Pros and Cons of Social Media Learning

We learn every day in whatever we see and do - whether it is watching television, listening to the radio or preparing a new dish. Similarly, we acquire new ideas and thoughts while chatting with friends after school or while in a classroom.

The emergence of social media has opened up new avenues to learn and develop core competencies. Through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and similar other social media websites, we get aware of innovative experiences, new concepts, and meet distinctive people. It also acts as a great promotional tool wherein businesses of various kinds can engage in progressive discussions and build up a strong network in due course of time.

However, social media critics are not impressed with the growing popularity of these sites. According to them, social media can hamper a student's potentiality to study and obtain high grades in examinations.

Let's have a look at the pros and cons of social media learning.

Pros

Support Instant Interaction

Traditional face-to-face communication is time-consuming and requires the physical presence of person(s). In contrast, social media websites support interaction barring geographical and time constraints. Furthermore, you don't have to come face-to-face in order to carry on a discussion with a teacher or your fellow classmates. You just need to log onto a social media platform or online forum to have a chat with the teacher and ask him/her questions and receive instant clarifications.

Easy Access

Social networking sites help to access information anytime and from anywhere, worldwide. You can go back to your social world friends to find an answer to a question asked in the classroom. You can discuss about a specific topic in between classes or check out completed assignments or projects of other students posted on their personal blogs or online forums.

Multiple Learning Styles

Social media supporters believe it promoting multiple learning styles, especially catering to diverse student bodies and their learning needs. People post a range of texts, audios, visuals, etc. on social networking sites to share the same with their group of friends. Thus, social network in a way helps users post or express their individual views, thereby 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 the class.

Diverts Learning

Social media critics believe web platforms engage students in unnecessary gossips, diverting their attention to something not related to learning. It can ruin a student's educational life by expanding his/her connection with people outside the learning community.

Managing Social Networking Sites

Often managing more than one networking site can be difficult for a learner. He/she needs to log onto every site to check new posts and updates. Besides, such vigorous activity can distract a student from listening to classroom lectures.

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