Social Media Integration in Education: Boon or Bane?
Technology is obviously growing and reaching places. It has even reached the attention of school teachers resulting in the alteration of their teaching techniques which now involve the use of the internet.
Some teachers have already adapted to this system. There are those who now require their students to go online for their school works and lectures going as far as utilizing the various social media to promote their subject. There are teachers who require their students to post their outputs say on Facebook simply for ICT integration in their lessons yet some would also unbelievably base the students’ grades on the number of likes that their post would get.
A lot can be noticed and seen about the benefits of this system. The fact that it requires the internet and electronics that can connect online is an element that may draw the students’ attention, especially those of the younger kids or those who probably play online games. Through this, the schoolwork and activities can easily be done in the comfort of one’s home or maybe in a nearby internet café, somewhere wherein the student may feel more comfortable while working.
Yet it is a common thought that not everyone has access to the internet, nor can afford to rent a computer at an internet shop. It would be a big hurdle for the students in the said situation, considering the fact that everyone has a right to fair treatment in education. And with the use of the internet, the students may be prone to distractions – online games, social media, video sites – which would be the opposite of what is supposed to be done and achieved.
It is somewhat inevitable, because of the fact that teachers and students must adapt to the educational system of the 21st century but one must remember that while integrating social media in teaching a lesson has its benefits it has, at the same time, its downfalls. It is not suggested that this system be removed, but it must to be used in moderation.
