Teachers and students can make proper use of social networking sites in schools for collaborating and interacting with each other and to revolutionize online learning. It will also assist students and teachers to participate in extended learning models. Students tend to learn better in social settings than a traditional classroom setting because the environment is conducive to imbibing learning. The big question in discussion now-a-days is that should networking sites be blocked in schools. This is the time for change and the sooner we incorporate it at grassroots levels of teaching, the better it would be for not just the students but educators too. Social networking is a part of our day to day life and it has numerous advantages that can be tapped for wholesome learning. Banning networking sites would do more harm than good, as teachers can use social networking to make the teaching sessions more interactive and participative.
What is education?
The State of Missouri had enacted a law prohibiting students and teachers from being friends on any social networking websites. However because of strong resentment from teachers, who felt that the fundamental rights were assailed by legislation, the bill had to be modified suitably. Gone are the days when education was restricted to what was told by the teacher in the classroom. The student of today is as well informed about political and social issues and does not hesitate to share his opinion on the same. After all, isn’t this education? Banning networking sites is like a pigeon closing its eye when it sees a cat assuming the cat can’t see her too. Banning will not stop students from using social networking; in fact they may do so more out of rebellion.
Significance of online learning tools
The tools used for e-learning are discussion boards and platforms for documents sharing and blogging tools which would not be utilised if institutions prefer blocking networking sites. The sharing of information and knowledge through online platform can help learners to achieve mutual benefits. Education and the social networking share a symbiotic relationship. Today you can easily visualise a classroom that combines platforms of various online universities with the powerful, engaging and powerful social networking.
The dark side of social networking
There are instance when social networking has actually led to crimes from extortion, bullying and sexual assaults. This is the main reason why the question of whether networking sites be blocked in schools comes up. Educational institutions argue that students need due protection in order to avoid such instances and to monitor their exposure to pornography and other related content which is not suitable for young students. The danger is real as social media lends anonymity and security to criminals. However the advantages are so substantial that social networking sites in schools should be regularised but certainly not banned.
Create the balance between the pros and cons of social networking
We should first ask ourselves that what we would achieve by blocking networking sites. Do we want to curb overall development and education of students just because they “might” get attracted to the unscrupulous ways? It is high time educational institutions have a complete perspective and devise ways to avoid misuse of social networking in order to provide a safe and interactive environment for their students to grow in.
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