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Advantages Of Social Media That Empower Online Learners
Nowadays, social media have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives. In fact, if we were to ask people around us, we would realize that almost everyone uses at least one social media platform. As technology’s role in learning becomes all the more significant, it’s only natural that social media have made their way into learning and education as well. But how exactly do they support the way we learn? Read on to discover the main advantages of social media that make them so popular among online learners.
5 Ways Social Media Empower Online Learners
1. Open Up A World Of Information
The unhindered access to information that social media provide to online learners is truly unmatched. Gone are the days when the only resources available were textbooks, presentations, and lectures. Now, any person that wants to conquer a new skill can easily log into the internet and find any information they want in the form of educational videos, tutorials, online courses, and more. Most of the time, these resources are also free, helping online learners overcome social and economic discrepancies. Moreover, social media makes it particularly easy for learners to stay up to date with advancements and new trends in their fields of interest.
2. Foster Communication And Collaboration
The main advantage of using social media in online learning is that they greatly facilitate communication and collaboration among learners. With platforms that allow file sharing, chatting, video conferencing, and more, there is no distance big enough to keep a group of peers from working together on a project. Not to mention how easy it is to communicate and stay in touch with educators and instructors, as chat boxes, fora, and video calls are added to the traditional choices of email and face-to-face interactions. As a result, learners have access to immediate feedback and support, which boosts their performance and academic growth.
3. Improve Learner Engagement And Participation
One of the reasons why social media rose to popularity with such speed is that they cater to the social tendencies humans naturally exhibit, thus effectively engaging and holding our attention. Considering that disengagement is a common challenge that educators and instructors face, social media can be a very efficient tool for keeping learners involved in the learning process. But how exactly do they manage that? Social media allow learners to interact with their peers, exchange opinions, receive swift answers to their questions, as well as explore different learning approaches and materials. These features encourage them to actively participate in the learning process and explore their subject of interest in more detail.
4. Provide Learning Opportunities And Networking To All
How is it possible for a person living in Asia to be taking an online course organized by a university in the United States? With social media enhancing the capabilities of online learning, anything is possible. People who want to enrich their knowledge no longer need to look for options that match their location or even the labor market trends of their country. Another great advantage of social media platforms is their enormous global networking capabilities, which help learners link up with experts in their field that could offer them mentorship or potential work opportunities regardless of how far they are based.
5. Promote Learner-Centric Online Learning
In a traditional learning environment, the pace and style of the learning session are determined by the instructor. Therefore, it’s likely that not all learning preferences are accommodated. On the contrary, social media platforms put the user on the front seat, leveraging smart algorithms to tailor the experience according to their needs. With a vast pool of information at their disposal, participants can focus on the subjects that interest them most, as well as take control of the pace of their learning journey. They can practice for a few hours or a few minutes, only watch videos, or alternate between formats. Being in control of the situation is what ultimately engages them and helps them learn more effectively.
Conclusion
Social media have changed the way we approach online learning in many significant ways. They help people from all over the world connect and gain access to information with blinding speed. The effects they have on learner engagement and participation are also undeniable, making them more and more popular among educators. As technology advances, we are certain that new ways to enjoy the advantages of social media will be discovered, elevating the online learning experience even more.
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