Media has become an essential part of our lives. It surrounds us and is used in almost every aspect of life. With the advancements in technology, media can be used for teaching and learning purposes more than ever before. Media aids teachers in presenting information to students by engaging them more effectively than traditional methods while also providing many benefits to both students and teachers.

However, some disadvantages need to be considered when using media as well. This post will discuss different ways you can use media with your students, how it impacts their learning process, its benefits, and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not this tool is right for you!

How To Teach With Media

One way media can aid teaching is through visual tools such as infographics or videos, which are easy ways to communicate ideas quickly, stimulate discussion among classmates about content, help clarify complex material by breaking it down into smaller segments that are simpler to digest, allow for flexible pacing depending on the needs/interests of individual learners, increase interest when using new information (i.e., make boring stuff ‘fun’), and provide a common ground for critical thinking. Additionally, online tools like wikis or blogs can create collaborative learning environments in which students are actively engaged in the learning process.

Another way media can be used effectively in the classroom is by incorporating it into assignments and assessments. For example, students might be asked to watch a news clip or documentary related to the course topic and then write a paper about it, give a presentation, or create an infographic summarizing what they learned. Alternatively, students might respond to questions posed by teachers via social media platforms such as Twitter or Instagram. The use of technology-based assessment tasks like these allows for different ways of demonstrating mastery of content and provides opportunities for students to show what they have learned in unique and innovative ways. All you need for this type of learning is an iPad, laptop, phone, or computer. You can get iPad cases to protect your device from accidents.

Benefits of media

Media has a lot of benefits in both teaching and learning. The following are benefits of using media in education:

  • Using media engages students and helps keep their attention focused on the lesson. That is, it helps them stay engaged and interested in learning.
  • Aids student retention of knowledge because it allows students to read, watch, or hear information multiple times in different contexts over time.
  • Motivates interest in a subject, which is essential when teaching concepts that may seem irrelevant at first glance or are challenging to connect with real-life situations
  • Illustrates the relevance of many concepts by showing how they apply in various aspects of nature and human society
  • Provides an opportunity for teachers to discuss issues pertinent to today’s world, such as cyberbullying or hacking
  • Increases the ability and proficiency of students in terms of critical thinking, writing, and communication.

Disadvantages of Media

Media has a lot of benefits for both learners and teachers. However, there are also some disadvantages of using media in education. Some examples include:

  • Cyberbullying: This is when a person uses the internet to harass, intimidate or threaten another individual, which is wrong and can have severe consequences for those involved.
  • Hacking: It’s illegal to access someone else’s computer system without permission with an intent to steal information or gain unauthorized privileges. Both cyberbullying and hacking come with many dangers that a teacher needs to consider before deciding whether they want students to use technology as part of the classwork or activities. It includes keeping up with changing trends, such as new forms of cyberbullying like ‘slut shaming’ via social media sites. However, you can protect yourself and your students from hacking and cyberbullying by using encryption and a security suite, such as McAfee LiveSafe.
  • Addiction to social media: Social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., can cause addiction in students and even lead to depression which is a severe problem that teachers need to be aware of.
  • Privacy issues: There are many privacy concerns with using social media accounts, especially if students or children share sensitive information where anyone from strangers online to future employers can see it. Parents should therefore pay close attention and monitor their child’s behaviour, both at home and while they’re at school.
  • Security issues: Privacy is another issue that comes up when talking about social media. If students are expected to have a Facebook account for school projects or classwork, then teachers need to make sure they follow their company’s security guidelines so information doesn’t get passed on to the wrong people and that only authorized users can see what you post online.
  • Decreases in face-to-face communication skills: While being online can be beneficial for students who have a hard time communicating or staying focused in class, it is still essential to make sure they know how to communicate effectively with someone face-to-face.
  • Spread of fake news: Due to the speed of social media, fake news can spread fast, and students must be taught how to identify false information. It’s also just as vital for them to know where they’re getting their information from so they don’t fall into believing everything they see online without taking time to verify whether or not it’s true.
  • May encourage cheating in schools: When teachers give out work through Google Drive etc., some might ask other people inside or outside the school/classroom to help them with completing these tasks instead of working on them themselves. This may lead to thinking that this type of behaviour is okay when looking towards college or university settings, making success easier at the cost of proper learning skills once graduated.
  • Social media can ruin reputation: Students have to be careful with what they post online because it can stay there forever and could potentially ruin their chances of getting a good job or being accepted into a school if the admissions office does some digging.
  • Can create distractions in class: While social media can be helpful for students who have ADHD or are struggling to focus, it can also be a distraction for those who are not diagnosed with any mental disorders.
  • Social media causes health issues: Depending on the time spent using social media, it can negatively impact a person’s health, by causing eye problems, neck pain, obesity, and more.

Overall, there are many benefits and disadvantages of using media in teaching and learning. As technology advances, more new issues may arise, so teachers should constantly keep themselves updated on these changes to make informed decisions about whether incorporating media into their classes is suitable for them and their students.

Social Media Platforms Used in Learning

The following are social media platforms that you can use for learning:

  • Edmodo
  • Kahoot!
  • Flipgrid

There are many more. As long as the platform is used to aid teaching and learning, it can be considered a social media tool for education. Social media tools have definitely become an integral part of teaching. Technology plays such an important role that some schools now prefer to use tablets instead of textbooks or computers over blackboards, just because they want better ways to educate their students using these new advancements without sacrificing any effectiveness or quality.

In addition, there are now math apps online explicitly designed for teachers who wish to stick to curriculum plans but without having to create them from scratch themselves. This makes life much easier for educators while giving students more resources at their disposal.

Things You Need When Using Social Media in the Classroom

The following are requirements that you need in order to use social media in the classroom:

  • A projector or large screen: It helps if the students can see what it is you are doing on your phone or laptop
  • A computer with internet access: So that filters will not block projects, videos, and games
  • WiFi connection: Is your classroom equipped with a wireless connection? If not, you will need either an Ethernet cable or a hotspot
  • An account on each social media platform you want to use in class (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat)
  • Some ideas for how to use social media in the classroom:

— Have students create a profile on a site like Facebook and then post about their learning experience that day

— Share photos of projects or assignments on Instagram or Twitter

— Watch videos related to the topic being studied together on YouTube

With these tools, you can engage your students in various activities that will help them learn and retain information. For example, you can have students work on projects together online, research topics for a presentation or report, watch educational videos, and more. Having multimedia at their fingertips allows students to be more engaged with the material and makes learning more relevant. Additionally, using social media in the classroom helps teachers assess their students’ understanding of the subject matter. Finally, asking questions and monitoring student conversations on social media platforms provides valuable data that can improve the pedagogy of your classroom.

Conclusion

Social media is a powerful tool for learning and teaching that should not be underestimated. With the right tools and equipment, it can enhance student engagement and understanding. First, however, it is vital for educators to familiarize themselves with the different platforms and how they work to use them most effectively in class. As always, please consult with your administration before using any type of social media in your school setting.

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