Is It Convenient To Use Social Networks As An Educational Tool?

Knowing if it is convenient to use social networks as an educational tool implies knowing both its benefits and its disadvantages in case of opting for these platforms for the training environment.

Many mothers, when they see their children using Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, are alarmed. Are they useful tools for minors or are the kids wasting their time? It is a thorny issue that leads us to try to answer the question that gives this article its title: is it convenient to use social networks as an educational tool? Let’s see next.

There is no doubt that the arrival of social networks opened a new panorama in the world. During the last ten or fifteen years the way of using the internet has changed a lot thanks to these platforms.

If we associate social networks with the educational world, there is no doubt that a new educational model is opening, but so much so that they are included in the classroom? It is complicated, since although they can be powerful tools, they could also cause serious problems for children if they are abused or used in a moral way; they could end up being a disservice to the students.

Therefore, we can conclude so far that social networks will become a fantastic complement to training, but they can never be a substitute.

Benefits of using social networks as an educational tool

We cannot ignore that the use of social networks as an educational tool implies interesting benefits in the development of infants. Therefore, it is convenient to start with a list of them:

• Peer interaction : allows students to collaborate more and better with each other. It also increases contact with their teachers.
• Information search : they are an inexhaustible source of information, much like Google-type search engines. Thus, they become a useful tool.

• Sharing of resources : between teachers, between students, between teachers and students, between training actors and parents. Sharing content and resources is very simple.
• Generation of debates : social networks are interesting tools to generate debates in class that can continue in forums and on the Internet.
• Thematic deepening activities : they also allow the development of activities in the classroom so that students delve into the topics to be discussed and have access to a wealth of information.
• Immediate communication : they also favor the immediate exchange of materials and, therefore, active and fast communication between professionals, with parents and with students.
• Streamlining the learning process : well understood and used networks streamline learning processes and knowledge transfer.

• Promotion of research : in the same way that they are perfect tools to encourage research and encourage students to delve into the topics covered in class.

Disadvantages of using social networks in education

As they have very positive aspects, the use of social networks as an educational tool also incorporates other rather negative or, at least, worrisome elements.

• Unprotected children : young people are unprotected against social networks. Today there are unwanted situations because of these platforms and their misunderstanding by some children, such as grooming and cyberbullying .

• Dependence : it can generate immediate response needs in students, something that should be avoided, as it is important to encourage patience among children.
• Distraction : excessive use can cause an excess of unnecessary distractions, which would have a negative effect on your academic performance.
• Direct Human Relationships : They could also promote a reduction in direct human relationships if too much time is spent on the social network.
• Addiction : in excessive cases, social networks cause serious addiction disorders that require professional intervention.
• Legal consensus : today there is no legal and legal consensus that allows a clear framework of action on the issue of social networks adapted to education.
• Personal information : in addition, social networks are still public platforms that require personal information from the user, information that, in the case of minors, is especially sensitive.

In short, it is difficult to say that it is convenient to use social networks as an educational tool. While its benefits are manifold, so are the risks. However, children are curious about these platforms and do not take long to enter them. Therefore, having the help of a professional who acts as a guide and tutor could always be positive to avoid greater evils.