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dowdyeayanah
Sep 233 min read

The Utility of Social Media for Online Education and Study Hacks

by Ayanah Dowdye, Contributing Author




 

Introduction


Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook can serve as a valuable resource for teens within the realm of education by offering quick and accessible study tips and educational hacks. Many platforms feature content created by students, educators, and influencers, sharing time-management techniques, exam strategies, and subject-specific advice. Through short videos, infographics, and posts, teens can learn about effective ways to stay organized, boost concentration, and improve retention of information. Additionally, the interactive nature of social media allows for real-time feedback, discussions, and peer support, fostering a sense of community around learning. The caveat: it's important for teens to verify the credibility of the information, and maintain a balance between online learning and other study methods.


Relevant Videos


  1. The Infographics Show on YouTube: click here

  2. Study Tips As Seen on TikTok: click here

  3. TEDx Tips from a Student: click here

  4. AsapSCIENCE study Tips: click here


How to Talk to Kids About It


  1. Encourage educational content: Help your child figure out how to find educational accounts, groups, or pages that share valuable study tips, tutorials, and subject-related content. They may not be using social media for this purpose now, but with some guidance it could serve as a productive way to engage in social media!


  2. Use social media for collaboration: Encourage your child to join study groups or connect with classmates for discussions on school projects or homework. 


  3. Teach critical thinking: Explain the importance of evaluating the credibility of information found on social media. Encourage questioning sources and cross-referencing information. Being able to explicitly show them how to fact-check information and differentiate between reliable and unreliable content can serve as a helpful skill for not only now, but for many years to follow.


Pros & Cons


Pros

  1. Traditional studying approaches such as textbook reading may not cater to the learning style of everyone. Social media platforms that utilize videos to facilitate learning may prove to be a better learning style for your child.

  2. Social media enables teens to connect with peers, join study groups, and engage in discussions, which can enhance their understanding of subjects and make learning more interactive.

  3. Seeing others share their academic successes and study habits can inspire teens to adopt similar strategies and stay motivated in their own studies.


Cons

  1. Not all study methods are helpful for everyone. It is important to recognize the balance between giving something a try, and knowing when to bail if the study method just isn’t working for them.

  2.  Social media platforms are filled with entertainment content that can easily distract teens from their primary focus on learning, leading to decreased productivity.

  3. The bite-sized nature of social media content can encourage a preference for quick tips and shortcuts over in-depth study and understanding, potentially undermining deeper learning.




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