Effectiveness of Social Media in Education

Abstract

As Maya Angelou once said, “if you are trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be,” is the classic example of the lessons that the Corona pandemic re-introduced to us. Before the strike of the covid-19 virus, no one ever imagined if it was possible to close shops and schools and get people to work and study from home. Now that this is the new normal, the education stakeholders have considered alternative learning approaches to allow for continuity of the school calendar, particularly during the lockdown period occasioned by the need for social distance curb the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. Online learning has prompted different asynchronous and synchronous digital platforms for interaction between students and learners and amongst learners themselves. Some commonly used platforms for real-time video conferencing include the Google classroom, Cisco weber meeting, WeChat, Zoo, and Skype. While interactive media channels like such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been greatly used for learning and interactions, document sharing, discussions amongst students and learners. Social media tools have improved learning skills, for languages and other fundamental subjects, due to the web pages set up that group elementary language elements such as phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary and allow for teaching and learning of education skills such as speaking, writing, reading, listening. While there is a need for continuous improvements to address the challenges identified, such as internet and electricity connectivity and digital literacy, E-learning, particularly social media platforms, have provided a conducive learning environment, supported the implementation of alternative education structures, and improved the students’ learning skills.