Social media has taken off over the past few years and seems to have taken over the world’s social life. There was a time when education and social media clashed like a teenager and his parents, but now that time has passed. Social media’s big guns Facebook and Twitter have broken the marketing barrier between all ages by creating a tool most cannot think of living without today. Both types of social media surpassed all odds and became an important part education. The relatively new relationship of education and social media seem to be bonding at an amazing rate. As a student at a university I find the positive gains of Facebook beneficial to students, teachers, and schools. With one mouse click information can be posted for most students to access at any time. The outlook of education and social media’s relationship is like that of a high school couple, fresh with good intentions and full of interest and excitement.
Starting college four years ago I have experienced 3 different schools, each having a Facebook page operated by student organizations within the school. It shows how the benefits of social media are being accepted throughout the education community. Not only because important information can be delivered to students and faculty at record speed, but the experience it gives students. A Facebook page can give students a way of improving media skills that future jobs look may look for.
Facebook and Twitter are also being used for a single class by teachers on the high school and collegiate level. It is a relief to know your not out of luck if you are at home and do not understand an assignment. A simple post to your teachers Facebook page will surely get you some answers. The technology in cell phones allows access of social media accounts anywhere at any time, thus making it a no brainer in a time when cell phones are in hand for hours of each day.
With all the positive aspects of social media’s impact on education there are some negative aspects. Harassment is what social media networks like Facebook can open doors to. Bullying, vulgar words, and threats can be made a teacher with good intentions bringing on a situation where school punishment might be out of jurisdiction meaning involvement of police. Like a high school couple and any relationship education and social media’s relationship can go south, but if the good out weighs the bad it might be worth working out.