Social media plays a multifaceted role in education. It acts as a platform for students, instructors, and parents to communicate and collaborate in real-time, allowing for real-time engagement and resource sharing. However, what platforms should one consider for that? There are several social media platforms that can be beneficial for education given they facilitate communication, collaboration, networking, and resource sharing. Some of the most popular and widely used platforms that prove to be beneficial for education are as follows- 

  1. While primarily a video-sharing platform, YouTube hosts a vast collection of educational content, including tutorials, lectures, and educational channels that can supplement classroom learning.
  2. Educators use Twitter to share resources, participate in education-related chats, and connect with colleagues, experts, and organizations in the field.
  3. Facebook offers groups where educators can join communities of like-minded individuals to share ideas, and resources, and engage in discussions. 

It is worth mentioning that there are several other platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, and Slack that could be useful for educational purposes. 

Since social media platforms are not essentially built for education, it is highly important to consider the regulations of the platform before considering it a part of one’s learning network. Especially when dealing with vulnerable sectors such as children, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or other marginalized groups, maintaining professionalism and adhering to regulations is of utmost importance. I would like to add how many platforms have not really performed well in this and have been accused of problems such as privacy breaches due to unintentional sharing of sensitive information, fostering digital distractions that detract from focused learning, amplifying cyberbullying or online harassment, and potentially blurring the lines between personal and professional interactions, leading to unprofessional behavior. There are several considerations by social media platforms to fit into professionalism and regulations such as Privacy and Confidentiality, Content Sensitivity, Code of Conduct, Ethical Guidelines, Monitoring, and Moderation. 

As we are discussing PLN, it is also true that a PLN has the ability to both help and hinder the development of thoughts and ideas. On one hand, a PLN may be a strong driver for creativity and growth by exposing educators to different points of view, allowing resource sharing, and encouraging joint activities. Within a PLN, the exchange of feedback and participation in continuing professional development opportunities can lead to the advancement of educational practices. However, if the interactions inside the PLN are limited to like-minded peers, educators must be aware of potential risks such as echo chambers and confirmation bias. Striking a balance between actively seeking out diverse perspectives, critically evaluating information, and effectively managing time within the PLN can ensure that it serves as a constructive platform for thought-provoking discussions and the continuous evolution of ideas in the changing educational landscape.

If created properly, discourses can be pretty useful. Educators foster discourse by carefully picking thought-provoking subjects and designing open-ended questions that promote critical thinking. Strategies for active involvement, such as group discussions and debates, engage students and allow them to express themselves. Educators ensure that all participants contribute meaningfully by guiding dialogues and modeling good communication.