Journal Article: Extending social networking into the secondary education sector

In summary, this article examines the use of social networking sites as a tool in secondary education classrooms in Macau, China. Su Iong examines the use of social networking sites as a learning management system, a platform for teachers’ professional development, and a means to encourage student engagement. (2016, p. 721) The article continues to describe the social nature of learning, and how discourse and collaboration with peers is a key element to learning new content. Social networking sites lend themselves to this type of interaction, but on a virtual platform. With the use of social networking sites, the teacher’s role has been changed from provider of information to facilitator of discussion. Studies have shown that student attitude, engagement, motivation, and trust can all be improved with the incorporation of social networking sites. However, this study does point to a few issues in the implementation of social networking sites in education. The author is unsure if students are mature enough to use social networking site for academic purposes. A benefit to social networking sites is accessibility. In a study of 851 secondary students, 830 of them currently had a Facebook account.  In this study, the utilization of social networking sites for academic purposes by students was also examined. The researchers found that students see the potential in social networking sites for academics, but may need further support to reap all of the benefits.

I found this article to be very interesting! In my own experience, I have seen teachers struggle with the use of social networking sites, like Facebook, in their classrooms. I think this happens for a couple of reasons. Teachers are worried about the legality of interacting with their students on social media, and also do not trust their students to use social networking sites for the appropriate reasons. Sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are often seen as distractions to learning rather than tools to facilitate it. In my own classroom, I have set up a Twitter account that students can use to see the weekly agenda, read chemistry jokes, or ask me questions outside of class. I have enjoyed using twitter as a way to engage my students outside of the classroom. I have also really enjoyed the professional development opportunities available on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Su Iong, K. (2016). Extending social networking into the secondary education sector. British Journal Of Educational Technology, 47(4), 721-733. doi:10.1111/bjet.12259