Social Media and Education (Research Paper Sample)

Social Media and Education
Name
Institution

OUTLINE
Introduction To Social Media and Education
Research questions (Two main questions)
Justification of the study
Literature Review (benefits and risks)
The Benefits of using social media education sector
communicate
Updated information.
More choices
Flexibility
Risks posed by using social media in education purposes
Negligence
The type of information
The trend in social media and how it has evolved
Conclusion
Social Media and Education
Introduction
For some past time, people have been found of using social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ just for fun. Some have gone a step further to engage into relationships and dating in these social media website. However, there are better means of using these social media sites to enhance education in our schools. All we need is to empower and educate students on the best way of using these social media to enhance education. For instance, a teacher may use a twitter account to communicate with student on various issues such as possibility of being absent, post homework, or pass vital information to the class.
Using social media, the information is updated within a short period by posting in the social media. There are challenges however especially on negligence and authenticity o the information. Some students are fond of exploring other insignificant issues instead of concentrating on learning. As a result, they divert from the main goal. On the other hand, some of the information posted may be untrue hence leading to anxiety and threats to the students. Therefore, this study will evaluate how social media can be used in enhancing a fruitful education among students.
Research questions
With the presence of social media in the current education systems, there are various questions this study will seek to answer.
Is social media good or bad for education?
What are the benefits and risks of integrating social media platforms in education?
Justification of the study
Many are debates aired from various walks of life on the extent to which technology; especially internet has been harmful to the current generation. With this era of digital, this generation is exposed to various materials that may not be good. However, the progress and attraction from social media has been welcomed by many. As a result, social media is currently as a tool of communication between the students and tutors. For instance, use of social media has enabled on-time communication in which information can be posted for student and get information without physical presence of the tutor. Therefore, there is need to gauge the extent to which we can trust social media is schools depending on its benefits.
Literature Review
As the debate on social media peaks, there has been much research on the topic that has yielded a knowledge base on the research topic. Social media is fast becoming the premier avenue for people to advertise, purchase, meet new people and learn. Education is also part of the whole scheme as more people are opting to get new ideas and take lessons using the various available internet tools and features. More so, Social media is ideal for individuals who wish to keep learning despite their heavy work schedule and hectic lifestyles.
The Benefits of using social media education sector
There are various benefits accrued to social media as a tool of education. Top start with, in makes it easy to communicate between students and tutor among others. Social media platforms are full of tools and options that allow you to conveniently approach teachers, educators and experts to get information quickly. Some individuals have one-on-one sessions via video conferences or chats. Questions can be directed towards the experts and you can expect specific and immediate answers. You can talk to people from other parts of the world any time of the day (Korda, & Itani, 2013). Mobile devices and smart phones make the approach much easier. There are actually some who hold online classes via social media.
Secondly, this tool is beneficial on the basis of the Updated information. You can get the latest news and events by spending a few minutes on social media. In fact, there are plenty of times wherein social media has provided relevant and reliable information several hours before news channels and newspapers. People can discuss particular events and issues thoroughly. They can also get insider news and information by contacting key individuals who have existing accounts in various social media sites.
More so, there are more choices provided by social media through which communication is boosted. More tools and features are introduced by social media sites, allowing you to easily find relevant topics and specific data. Hash tags are one of the primary tools used nowadays which will keep you close to special information. You can also meet other experienced and skilled individuals who belong in the same field or industry. Choose from a variety of related topics to get full information. Education is also more interesting since you can get different types of content from videos, articles and links.
Lastly, there is Flexibility for both students and tutors. Students don’t have to regularly attend class or follow a fixed schedule when learning on social media. Instead, students can choose to spend a few minutes or hours depending on your available time and mood. Mobile devices, tablets and smart phones can be used so you can learn anywhere and in the most conducive places. You also don’t hurt your budget much since a lot of the information you find on social media networks is free. Enrollment fees are generally affordable and you get to choose the pace so you can make the most out of your time and investment (Drewniak, 2010).
Risks posed by using social media in education purposes
Despite the wide variety of benefits this tool can offer, there are various measures that should be taken to ensure it is well executed. One of the risks posed by using social media in education sector is Negligence. Social media contains a variety of information, it is easy to get tempted to browse other people’s...