Maximizing Student Engagement with Social Media Tools
Introduction
Nowadays, social media has a negative connotation. Many students use them only for entertainment and procrastination. However, social media can help students to learn, make connections, and express themselves. The next step is for professors to start using social media as an integral part of education. They should not ban social platforms but use them to create and present educational material. Educators should show ways of using social media wisely.
In this article, we will show how social platforms can have a great impact on students’ engagement. We will reveal some benefits of social media for students.
Facebook groups
As one of the oldest social media, Facebook has gone through many changes. One of the updates was creating Facebook groups and pages. The group has several features. That entails discussion, events, multimedia content, and data. Students use these features to share resources and discuss diverse topics related to college tasks. They have all of the materials in one place and can easily access them.
Sense of community
Facebook groups build a sense of community. Such a collaborative environment can be an amazing motivational booster. Learning became more interactive and interesting. Among friends, students can also seek help online. Chatting with college friends, they can ask which essay writing services do homework for money and they will get answers quickly. The best thing is these options will be trustworthy because they come from friends.
Event notifications
Making an event is an interesting and useful option on Facebook. Students can make events to inform each other about study sessions. Educators use this feature to notify students about exam information. That way, everyone is updated and can’t miss an important happening.
Visual content available
Pinterest is proof that social media and students should stick together. This is an amazing platform where students can find visual content. Collecting images and pictures will help them illustrate their academic assignments. It will also improve their creativity and develop their need to create art
Digital pinboards
On Pinterest, students can create digital pinboards to organize and share resources. When they write an essay, they can collect references and articles related to the topic. Pinterest will make their research easier because it constantly offers new links connected to the previous one.
X
Collaborative learning
Like Facebook, the X also provides collaborative learning. On this social platform, both students and teachers can find discussion forums and group collaboration spaces. They can share files and other educational materials. Using these features, students will engage in collaborative studying and discuss assignments in real time.
Networking opportunities
The X provides opportunities for students to connect with peers all over the world. They can find interesting information by talking to foreign students. Most importantly, students have the opportunity to connect with professionals, experts, and researchers in their field of study. These connections can lead to mentorship and valuable industry insights.
Reels and IGTV
Social media and education meet on Instagram. This is a visual platform, so students and educators can share visual content related to coursework. That entails pictures, diagrams, and infographics. But there are also videos as a useful tool in education. To engage students in the topic, teachers should use IGTV to post interesting educational videos. For example, this could be the place for chemical experiments students could try at home by watching videos on IGTV.
Project showcasing
Making a reel brings a lot of fun! Educators should let students create a reel as a presentation of a school project. It will increase students’ creativity and also enhance their digital presence. Students will get feedback and recognition from their peers. They will realize that their creative trait has an important role through education
LinkedIn Learning
The benefits of LinkedIn for students are limitless. This network offers LinkedIn learning, the platform that provides a wide range of online courses. Students can improve their skills, learn new technologies, and stay updated on industry trends. Teachers should encourage students to attend those courses. It can be an excellent extracurricular activity.
Connect with professionals
LinkedIn can connect students with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. Students can seek advice and mentorship from them. That way, they become aware of different career paths and job opportunities. They also explore specific industries, job roles, and the skills needed for success in their field of study.
Portfolio Showcase
Also, creating a LinkedIn profile will make them more visible in the labor market. On this network, students are able to showcase their academic achievement, skills, and extracurricular activities. They should update their profile and share relevant content. Thus, they will build a personal brand on LinkedIn. And that will make it more noticeable to potential employers.
YouTube
Educational channels
It may seem to you that YouTube has become outdated when it comes to listening to music. However, it is still an ideal platform for sharing educational content. What does it mean? Teachers can create channels to share tutorials and lectures. They can find plenty of educational videos to show diverse processes.
DIY videos
This kind of video is very popular nowadays. Teachers could assign DIY projects that will bring a lot of benefits to the classroom. Students will learn to make some things on their own. In a group project, they will collaborate. And, finally, they will be able to see the results of their work.
Explainer videos will help students to understand complex topics better than textbooks. It will encourage them to learn some practical skills.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed social media in education. We showed how Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn can improve educators’ teaching skills. Also, we reveal social media’s impact on students and their engagement and efficiency. However, social media platforms are usually used for entertainment. And that is okay; as long as an individual strikes the right balance. That entails dedicated study time without laughing at memes and Facebook statuses. Check your social media on pauses. That leads to undisturbed studying and also makes social media browsing more rewarding.
