A social media approach to higher education

Abstract

With the majority of the educated younger generations increasingly connected and forming online communities, formal education finds itself competing for their attention. Not only that, but online activities have a profound effect on student learning behaviors and capabilities. The importance of engaging students in new and emerging technologies in education cannot be overemphasized because it is, in essence, a worthwhile investment into their futures. Technology creates a more engaging and innovative classroom experience that makes students more interested in the learning process if the correct tools are used.

Social media tools give students the ability to think critically and creatively. More significantly, they allow student engagement with their teachers and more effective and engaging collaboration with their peers, and perhaps even outreach across cultural divides.

This chapter discusses the benefits of using social media for both students and teachers as well as some of the drawbacks and obstacles. The chapter also presents several examples of using social media in the classroom.

Citation

Tadros, M. (2011), "A social media approach to higher education", Wankel, C. (Ed.) Educating Educators with Social Media (Cutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 83-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9968(2011)0000001007