Wiki Page, Social Media in Education: Introduction

Wiki Page
2016-10-10T00:51:37-06:00

What is Social Media?

As one uses a search engine to find the meaning of the term SOCIAL MEDIA, Google Search Engine will tell you that

SOCIAL MEDIA - (noun), websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

A simple definition of Social Media from Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary is "forms of electronic communication (such as Web sites) through which people create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, etc." It's full definition on the other hand states that Social Media is "forms of electronic communication (as Web sites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos)."

According to an article of Boyd and Ellison (2007) social media or social network sites are "web-based services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system. The nature and nomenclature of these connections may vary from site to site."

What are media sharing sites and collaborative sites/tools?

Media sharing sites are websites that allow it's users to upload any type of media to share in their profile, websites, etc.

Collaborate sites are websites that enable users to collaborate and have a discussion either online of offline communication. Some collaborative sites are yammer, basecamp, google feature such as google docs, etc.

Why incorporated social media in education?

To incorporate social media in education one must know what is the extent of the knowledge of the users (educators and student). There is no doubt that learners in the current generation are more tech savvy compare to educators. Although according to a research by Moran, Seaman and Tinti-Kane (2011) the awareness and usage vary greatly. There is not much difference between the awareness for age group or length of teaching. However, the level of usage has a big difference. Those who have been teaching for more than 20 years are less likely to use Social Media compare to those who are new in teaching. More experienced and older faculty doesn’t seem to see the same level of usefulness as do younger educators. With that in mind, incorporating social media in education can be challenging. But with the right attitude, support and training, an educator can have an ease of use and successful integration.

Below are a few reasons why you should consider using social in your courses:

You can share information quickly.

You answer questions more efficiently.

You provide students the opportunity to learn by teaching.

Providing opportunity for group work and engagement in all levels.

You as a professional benefits from it because you are expanding your own personal networks.

Easy to use and easy to access

Communicate classroom business and discussions

Upload files

Create events to share

Group collaborations and discussions

Increased digital literacy skills

Once you decided to use and incorporate social media in your course/classroom, the first thing you need to do is do your research and then set up your rules in using social media.