The Benefits of Social Media in Mobile Learning
Mobile learning refers to any type of learning that happens when the learning is not at a pre-determined space or when knowledge is passed through to the learner by a mobile device (Atifmuhlawi, 2018). Mobile learning can take place almost anywhere there is an internet signal and with the rise of internet connected (Wi-Fi, cell based) devices, the opportunities for learning are almost endless. The question arises though, how do we take what we know about computer based learning and transfer that to the mobile learner.
We can no longer assume that the average learner will be at a desktop or have a laptop wherever they go, but was rest assured that they will have either a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection. Taking advantage of this will become crucial when trying to reach the mobile student.
Utilizing the capabilities of mobile devices and the numerous apps available has become either a goldmine or a minefield for instructors. How do we balance the use of the apps, especially social media apps such as Tik Tok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the like to encourage learning on the go? The benefit to these apps is that they are widely available, free to use, encourage social interaction (on a digital level), and are easily accessible (Arshavskiy, 2021). The use of these apps has become ubiquitous on campus' and academia needs to embrace this wholeheartedly (Wade, 2022).
As much as these apps can be a detriment to the teacher in a classroom, using instructional designers to build and structure a learning environment using social media is possible, and can be achieved using some basic guidelines. These include, but are not limited to, setting expectations early, becoming familiar with the platform through constant use, accessibility, and instructor availability, (Arshavskiy, 2021). Social media can be used as a learning tool when approached from a teaching perspective.
Social media and mobile learning is only effective as the teachers that use them. Educators must be trained on the benefits of social media in the classroom. Students bring their devices to class and it is crucial that we take advantage of the technology that walks into our classrooms everyday to bring back the enthusiasm for learning (Norman, 2021). There is an opportunity to build out engaging and easy to use learning environments that cater to the mobile learner (Pappas, 2015) using simple methods of design such as focusing on layout and navigation.
The biggest obstacle will be utilizing all aspects of the apps and learning the ins and outs of how they work. As an instructor, my time will have to be devoted outside of the classroom to using these apps, developing activities, and building assignments that take advantage of the devices and apps students already use. I need to develop a better understanding of the focus of each app to be able to take advantage of its use in the classroom.
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Works Referenced:
Arshavskiy, M. (2021, May 12). Social Media and elearning: How to improve formal learning with social media. eLearning Industry. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://elearningindustry.com/improve-formal-learning-with-social-media-social-media-elearning
Atifmuhlawi. (2018, June 11). Mobile learning. The Easy-Peasy English Grammar for L2 Learner. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://atifmuhlawi.wordpress.com/2018/06/11/mobile-learning
Norman, S. (2021, May 12). 5 ultimate tricks of using social media as learning tools. eLearning Industry. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://elearningindustry.com/5-ultimate-tricks-using-social-media-learning-tools
Pappas, C. (2021, May 12). 7 TIPS to create responsive design for mobile learning. eLearning Industry. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://elearningindustry.com/7-tips-create-responsive-design-mobile-learning
Wade, L. (2022). How social media is reshaping today's education system. Center for Social Impact Communication. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://csic.georgetown.edu/magazine/social-media-reshaping-todays-education-system
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