The Homeschool Mom’s Guide: Using Social Media as a Learning Tool
In recent years, homeschooling has gained momentum as an alternative approach to traditional education. This has also come with many additional changes to how students learn.
With the rise of technology, homeschoolers now have access to a plethora of resources to enrich their educational journey.
Homeschool Mom's Guide: Using Social Media as a Learning Tool
One such resource that has emerged as a powerful tool for educational purposes is social media. Leveraging various social media platforms, homeschoolers can transform their learning experience, foster collaborative learning, and access a wealth of educational content tailored to their needs.
Have you ever considered social media sites as learning tools? Is social media a part of your homeschool lesson plans?
You probably haven’t considered this because we are the first generation of digital immigrants raising digital natives. So it isn’t very natural for us to consider the multiple uses of online tools. But, it is second nature to our kids. And they learn differently than we did when we were their age.
[Related Post: What Homeschoolers Don't Know (& what they need)]
I am one of those who believes that social media isn't all that bad…if it is used properly.
Consider this….most people focus on the “social” aspect of social media. It’s a way to connect and interact with others, and there is much debate on whether it leads to healthy and “real” social interaction.
Understanding the Media Part of Social Media
Have you given much thought about the “media” part of it?
“Media” means “the means of mass communication”. Traditionally, the media classification was reserved for newspapers, magazine, radio and television. A larger organization was sharing information with the masses.
With social media, all of us can be “the media” and communicate with the masses. We all can have a “voice” and share what is important to us. And that is what excites me most about using social media as a learning tool.
Important Aspects of Learning
Some important aspects of learning are:
- Sharing what you learn
- Explaining your learning process
- Creating something for a “real” audience
- Processing knowledge to answer questions from others.
And all this happens innately with social media. It just makes plain sense that homeschooler should be using social media as a learning tool.
What Social Media Platforms Can Offer
Social media platforms offer a vast array of educational resources spanning across various subjects, making them an invaluable supplement to formal educational tools. From Facebook groups dedicated to specific topics to Twitter chats hosted by industry professionals, these platforms provide a great way for homeschoolers to engage with educational content in real time.
For instance, medical students can join Facebook groups or follow Twitter accounts that share research papers, live lectures, and updates in the field of medical education, enhancing their understanding and staying abreast of the latest developments.
8 Reasons Homeschoolers Need to Social Share More
To develop life-long social media habits under your guidance.
As you teach your kids to use social media when they are young, you can guide them towards responsible and safe engagement. They will grow up recognizing social media as a tool for sharing what matters to them and develop healthy tech habits.
[Related Post: What Are You Teaching Your Kids About Social Media?]
To demonstrate their knowledge.
Social media gives learners an audience. As they post pictures and video of projects and share comments to explain their learning process, homeschoolers deepen their understanding of information.
To positively represent home learning.
Aunt Sally will no longer wonder if homeschoolers actually learn anything. She’ll be uber-impressed when you post a video of Jimmy’s model of Mount Vesuvius.
To inspire others.
You know those friends who feel they should homeschool, but don’t think they can do it? As your kids share, those friends may realize that homeschooling is actually do-able.
To build community.
As homeschoolers share, they will find others with similar interests. My writer/artist daughter has grown in her interest through the influence of her “peeps” she found on Pinterest. Online communities centered around specific interests or academic disciplines enable students to connect with peers, faculty members, and industry professionals.
[Related Post: What I Discovered on My Teen Daughter's Pinterest]
To build a record of learning.
How cool is it that our kids can open up a Pinterest board and see evidence of their growth? (Plus a digital record eliminates “stuff” in our homes). Additionally, social media usage encourages self-directed learning, empowering students to explore different topics and pursue their interests at their own pace.
Helps with professional development and personal growth.
By engaging with educational content and participating in discussions on social networking sites, homeschoolers can enhance their digital literacy, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities.
Aids in cooperative learning.
Through cooperative learning, students can exchange ideas, seek assistance, and collaborate on projects, thereby enriching their learning process. For example, younger students interested in social studies can participate in online discussions or group projects via platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, gaining valuable insights and perspectives from their peers.
How to Get your Kids Sharing on Social Media
Determine the best social media sites for your family.
Most sites do not allow accounts for children under 13. Be sure you understand the rules for each site. A good place to research is Common Sense Media.
Communicate your family’s Internet safety standards.
Research the privacy settings for each site your children are using.
If your child is over 13, help them set up their account.
Be their first “follower” and establish standards for follow requests, sharing and social media habits. If your child is too young for their own account, teach them how to use yours. If they have their own mobile device, help them add the app.
Assign social sharing as part of your homeschoolers projects.
When your kiddos create something, instruct them to take a picture and upload it with a description of their learning process.
Be Mindful of Social Media Challenges
Despite its potential benefits, the use of social media in homeschooling is not without challenges. Technical difficulties, negative attitudes towards social media, and concerns about distractions may hinder its effective integration into the learning process.
However, by implementing best practices and leveraging the right tools, homeschoolers can overcome these obstacles and harness the full benefits of social media for educational purposes.
Final Thoughts
The power of social media extends beyond academic enrichment to encompass professional development and networking opportunities. Educators and homeschooling parents can use social media as a platform for sharing teaching methods, educational resources, and best practices, creating a vibrant learning community.
In conclusion, social media holds a lot of potential as an important learning tool for homeschoolers. By incorporating various social media platforms, homeschoolers can access educational resources, foster collaborative learning, and enhance their learning experience in real time.
While challenges may exist, the benefits of integrating social media into homeschooling outweigh the drawbacks, paving the way for new ways of teaching and learning in the digital world. As we continue to explore the potential use of social media in education, further research is warranted to uncover its full impact and efficacy in enhancing the homeschooling experience.
Tell me…..How do you use social media as a learning tool? Where do your kids social share? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
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