Utilizing Social Media for Academic Reference by Pupils
In the digital age, social media platforms have become a significant part of students' lives, with 78% of them using these platforms for researching school topics, according to a survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of McGraw Hill.
One such tool that aims to leverage this trend is Sharpen, a study app developed by Iridient Digital, Inc., known for its photo software for macOS and Windows. Sharpen is designed to mirror the look, feel, and ease of use of popular social media sites, making it an appealing platform for students. Dr. Trey Guinn, a communication professor, recommends tools like Sharpen to provide students with high-quality resources.
However, concerns about the quality and helpfulness of the content students find on social media are not unfounded. Guinn questions the validity of the information students might encounter, and most educators share this worry. To address this, it's crucial to provide access to fact-checking sites and teach digital citizenship as part of any approach involving the use of social media as a research source.
Christine Elgersma, senior editor for learning apps and websites at Common Sense Education, advises teachers to consult Common Sense Education's guide to social media use for educators. Elgersma also suggests grounding class exploration of social media in source evaluation.
WNET New York Public Media is another organisation taking steps to ensure students benefit from social media. They are working to reach young audiences directly with digital content that is accurate, entertaining, informative, and safe for consumption. Amanda Granger, director of community engagement at WNET New York Public Media, is working to develop a series of social media videos designed to teach K-12 students about different career opportunities. Granger believes that since students spend so much time on TikTok, it is important to meet them there with educational content to get them interested in various careers.
In conclusion, social media is an undeniable force in society, containing valuable information and access to experts. By taking steps to ensure the credibility of sources, teaching digital citizenship, and providing educational content on popular platforms, we can harness the power of social media to enhance learning experiences for students.
