Quality Education has been identified and determined through educational resources, learning and teaching processes, adequate and current materials etc. Accessibility to quality education and its importance in the society cannot be overemphasized. The 21st century has provided us with the greatest tool in achieving a quality education. Social Media is not only a means to increase participation but to develop and attract possible means of making education well worth the time and effort. From awareness to learning opportunities to better interaction to getting projects done easily, social media has been a great means to achieve the main objectives of quality education. It is a known fact that Social Media is here to stay as all spheres of life have been influenced with its use. Communication is easier, faster and more convenient with social media, the transaction is stress-free, discovering opportunities and developing creative ideas has been given a boost by Social Media. Education is not left out as schools and their administrators have keyed into the world wide web in improving the quality of education provided. Just like every other thing, the internet and Social Media has its advantages and disadvantages. We outline them in the article below.
ADVANTAGES
Increased Learning Participation and Collaboration
Statistics have shown that the number of participants in the educational system has increased over the years since the creation of Social Media. More Students are willing to school as we can see through the use of online distance learning. There are teachers who are strictly E-teachers and help to increase learning opportunities. Researchers have also contributed their quota through easy access to their research and articles on various topics via the internet and Social Media platforms. Stakeholders in the Educational system are able to participate more and get the best through the incorporation of Social Media. There is increased collaboration of education with technology, health, finance, governance etc. This is seen through adequately published researches and articles, production of materials to enhance the quality of education, easy financial transactions, health education and promotion, increase in political participation by students etc. Students are able to interact more with their fellow students across the globe, teachers and have access to a wide range of academic materials. This interaction gives a boost to learning opportunities and participation.
Improved quality of Educational services
Thanks to the Internet, educational services are of better quality and greater resourcefulness. This quality is achieved as schools are able to benchmark their offerings with globally accepted standards across the world, through a simple google search. Students have easy access to materials and can embark on projects with convenience. Students can learn more, know more and share more. Conferences are easily attended as Video and Online Conferences are making waves. Students gain more especially those that are really active on Social Media and e-forums. Networking is easier and more productive, this way quality of educational services improve. Exams are now conducted online and are graded as well. All these help to improve the quality of Education especially now that the world revolves around technology.
DISADVANTAGES
Everything that has advantages must have disadvantages. Social Media and e-learning despite its numerous benefits also have drawbacks. As much as it is useful, it can be a huge source of distraction for students whose attention is difficult to keep sustained on school work. Most of these students end up using the internet, e-learning platforms and social media to connect with people for the sole purpose of socializing. Statistics have shown that a large percentage of people are constantly active on Social Media platforms just for the sake of socializing. Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram have no closing time, it gives access to a 24/7 activity. If students are not properly monitored, they can neglect the reasons for using Social Media in Education and focus on distracting and time-wasting activities. This monitoring should also be extended to the type of contents viewed by Students on Social Media. All sorts of contents are available on Social Media and only strict monitoring is the adequate filter in ensuring students do not stumble on inappropriate contents.
Conclusion
The Internet and Social Media has been established to be a great tool in Education. It has served as a means to improving the quality of education. Just has it has its advantages, it has its disadvantages. Proper use and positive acknowledgement of these platforms would help enhance quality Education, while every participant makes the best out of it. What have you benefited from the use of the Internet and Social Media in Education? Comment below.
