One of the most powerful and influential instruments that educators can use in teaching is the effective utilization of Social Media. It is indicated that social media is a platform that connects one person to another where it can transmit information easily through the tip of a finger. It is evident that the current generation is well versed in terms of manipulating Social Media as part of learning experiences. However, although Social Media is tagged as a powerful tool in education there are still important precautionary measures to be followed by the learner and teachers in using Social Media to eliminate threats that could hinder effective utilization of Social Media.
As a matter of fact, one of the important key points that needs to be understood and cautiously emphasize about Social Media is that Social Media can be a bridge for cyberbullying or other online conflicts if not used properly. Cyberbullying and online conflicts are one of the issues and challenges that needs immediate attention since it can create a huge impact among the end of the learners. Using social media as a platform for education should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility that reiterates the protection to oneself and others against cyberbullying and online conflict.
Furthermore, another issue that needs an immediate attention about social media is that it can be a major contributor to distraction or hindrances in the learning process since education is not only the sole purpose of social media but it can also be an instrument for entertainment and connection to others. Regardless of the purpose of social media, the user has the authority and option to use it as one of the most powerful tool that 21st century learning can use in delivering quality and effective learning and teaching experience.
It can be revealed that truly, utilizing social media in education can be one of the important educational tool especially in serving as a channel of educational communication. It can increase the motivation of learners to continue to study and improves class participation whether it is online or face to face class. Another advantage of using social media in a class is it promotes active participation of the learners to online community accompanied by responsibility and values. It also increases the retention level of knowledge imparted to the learners by the teachers through the maximum utilization of social media. Moreover, social media allows the learners to not only become limited to local community but connects the learners to a broader global educational community which is imperative in honing the learners become internationally competitive.
