How teachers can use social media to improve learning this fall (2024)

Social media platforms can play an important role for teaching students already hard-wired into the tools and for advancing teacher professional development, says a Michigan State University researcher who wrote the first comprehensive review on the medium’s potential impact on K-12 education.

Benefits include making students feel more engaged in learning, creating deeper interactions between teachers and students and expanding learning communities beyond school walls, said Christine Greenhow, lead author and associate professor in counseling, education psychology and special education, at MSU’s College of Education. It’s not surprising since students use social media in almost every other aspect of their lives.

“Due to lack of research in this field, educators and teachers have had very little guidance on research-informed practices,” she said. “This has been a problem since a quarter of U.S. teachers surveyed turned to social media to interact with students when the pandemic began and were rapidly required to teach online. This research will help educational professionals understand how their social media use can help students and support their own rapid learning ­— during the pandemic and beyond.”

The research also showed that through social media, teachers can enhance interactions between students, between students and teachers, and with people and resources outside the classroom. All are important for a student’s sense of belonging in an educational community.

And by using social media themselves, teachers can receive professional benefits through just-in-time teaching-related resources and social or emotional support outside their own school or district, she said.

Greenhow said the research provides an understanding of the impact social media has on teaching and learning, which will help teachers prepare for a combination of in-classroom and online learning likely expected this fall.

“Faced with uncertainty about what form their fall teaching will take, these insights on the advantages of using social media will help teachers address common teaching challenges,” Greenhow said. “The constant challenges of promoting students’ active learning and sense of connection are issues that educators often struggle with, but especially so when they have to turn on a dime to recreate in-person classes online.”

Greenhow’s co-authors are Sarah Galvin and Emilia Askari with MSU and Diana Brandon of Charleston Southern University.

How teachers can use social media to improve learning this fall (2024)

FAQs

How teachers can use social media to improve learning? ›

In addition to this, teachers can easily connect with experts and popular personalities via social media. Guest lectures and webinars by such experts help in enhancing the teaching-learning process. Social media platforms, if used wisely, can be a huge advantage to students and teachers inside and outside classrooms.

How social media is effective in learning? ›

Social media provides many opportunities for learners to publish their work globally, bringing many benefits to teaching and learning. The publication of students' work online has led to a more positive attitude towards learning and increased achievement and motivation.

How can social media help students in their studies essay? ›

With the help of social media, students can get information, can fetch or retrieve information easily, and can communicate with their teachers, friends, and classmates easily. Students can get connected with their teachers or professors easily and can gain knowledge and information very easily through its help.

What are 5 advantages of social media in teaching and learning? ›

Here are some key benefits: Accessibility to Educational Resources: Social media platforms provide a vast repository of educational content, including articles, videos, and tutorials, making it easier for students and educators in India to access diverse learning materials.

How does social media help you on your learning skills? ›

1 Benefits of social media for learning

You can follow experts, influencers, and peers who share valuable insights, tips, and resources on various topics and skills. Additionally, you can join groups, forums, and communities where you can ask questions, exchange feedback, and learn from others' experiences.

How is media used in teaching and learning? ›

Media can be a powerful way to enhance student learning. Instead of always relying on lectures, you can use print, audio, and visual media, such as books, videos, audio, television, CDs, DVDs, or short films, to hold your students' attention and help them retain information.

What are the five main benefits of social media? ›

The five main benefits of social media are enhanced communication, networking opportunities, brand promotion, information sharing, and community building.

How does social media impact education? ›

Social media has many positive aspects. It helps users stay in touch and share information, but it can also be a distraction for students. Studies show that too much time spent on social media can lead to less time studying and lower grades.

Which social media is best for education? ›

For Students
  • Fandom Forward. ...
  • Instagram. ...
  • Snapchat. ...
  • GroupTweet. ...
  • LinkedIn. ...
  • Pinterest. Visually appealing, endlessly creative gallery of images and ideas. ...
  • Twitter. Smart classroom tool if used with care; priceless for PLNs. ...
  • Discord. Social hub offers a novel but tricky spin on classroom communication.

What are the positive effects of social media? ›

Social media can provide benefits for some youth by providing positive community and connection with others who share identities, abilities, and interests. It can provide access to important information and create a space for self-expression.

How can teachers use social media in the classroom? ›

Teachers can use social media to organize group projects, communicate with students outside of class, share resources, and much more. Social media also has the potential to connect schools to the wider community for purposes including: Sharing school news. Promoting school events.

How social media can be beneficial to student learning? ›

Social media offers various educational benefits. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, ideas, and resources among students and educators. Social media communities and groups provide opportunities for collaborative learning, enabling students to discuss and explore academic topics beyond the classroom.

How can social media promote education and awareness? ›

Attract new students with a campaign

A great way to use social media for education is to attract new students to your school or course. For example, if you want to increase enrollment, create a social media campaign that highlights the benefits students would gain from your program.

Which of the following is a benefit of using social media apps for educational purposes? ›

These platforms facilitate communication and collaboration, allowing students to connect with peers, share educational resources, and engage in discussions.

Does social media help students to find appropriate information and learn research? ›

It facilitates knowledge sharing, student engagement, and the development of critical thinking skills 1 2 3. By incorporating social media tools in education, students can access valuable content, connect with learning groups, and establish beneficial career connections.

How can social media facilitate peer learning? ›

Social media fosters a sense of community among learners, promoting collaboration and support. It creates a platform where employees can motivate each other, share successes, and work through challenges together. This community aspect enhances the learning experience, making it more relational and supportive.

Are there academic advantages to using digital media in the classroom? ›

Active digital activities are more likely to help your students experience new concepts, and they encourage your class to work together during the lesson.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 6317

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.