Technology, and more specifically social media, is having an undeniable influence on the students of today. There are two distinct ways to approach the use of social media:
- Decry social media
- Embrace social media
While there are many whose criticism would place them among those who disparage social media, perhaps it is best that we instead embrace social media as both an educational tool and a marketing tool. There is no doubt that the educational landscape is changing, and it is looking more and more like social media is going to be a significant part of that landscape in the future.
Making Communal Connections
The world that we live in is much smaller due to the interactions that are made possible through social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These networks make it possible for students to interact with other people from all over the globe, perhaps without ever meeting the individual in person.
Engagement Beyond Just Social Interaction
There is no doubt that it is essential for businesses to include a social media marketing strategy, but it is likewise important for educational models to include social media strategies as well. Students share and discuss a great deal of classroom-related content through social media, creating engagement that goes far beyond simple social interaction.
Information Sharing
Students who use social media are developing a number of important skills that are often difficult to teach, and students often find themselves in the middle of academic debates or conversations without even realizing it. Furthermore, social media may help develop certain skills relating to each of the following:
- Analysis
- Assessment
- Retention
While there will still be those who decry the widespread use of social media, the younger generations who have grown up with it clearly understand the value of this tool for educational and marketing purposes.
Use of Social Media As a Marketing Tool
Social media is a dominant figure in the world of marketing, and it could just as easily become such a figure in the world of education as well if used properly. The students of today are uniquely prepared for positions that heavily utilize social media, and every business has a very obvious need with regard to the implementation of social media marketing strategies.
As technology continues to advance, it should be obvious that the strategies employed through social media will also advance.
The role of social media in marketing strategies and in education will only be further emphasized, and it is vital that both businesses and schools stay current with regard to the use of social media.
photo credit: Damien Basile via photopin cc
photo credit: daniel_iversen via photopin cc
