How social networking can enhance the effectiveness of online learning

Nearly 69% of participants in a recent market survey conducted by the British Council preferred informal socializing as a learning method. It is now a common recommendation for educators to make use of social networking tools to make classroom teaching more effective.

Students pay regular attention to their social settings, and that is why they learn about various ideas and concepts from such social settings. On the same lines, the growing popularity of social networking websites can be utilized to improve learning processes.

Some online learning platforms come preloaded with social networking features. Teachers and trainers can also use popular social networking websites to derive nearly identical benefits such as –

• It is now possible for a teacher to allot an assignment or a problem to students outside a classroom.
• Teachers can facilitate meaningful discussions among students.
• Students can jointly work on a project or assignment.

Innovation in online learning processes

A learning management system can effectively help in realizing a ‘blended learning design’ if trainers and learners are able to collaborate with each other.

Social networking tools can be used for collaboration and interaction by learners and trainers. In the long run, social networking features will completely revolutionize the production and delivery of online learning courses. These tools can assist teachers and students to be a part of extended and innovative learning models that are superior to traditional classroom learning models.

Document sharing platforms, discussion boards, live text chat, voice chat, and blogging platforms are some simple social networking tools used in online learning. Everyone in a community of learners can derive huge benefits by sharing useful resources and knowledge.

Everyone in the community benefits when a member shares a tip, embeds a link to an article, or uploads illustrative graphics. A large number of learning management systems has already integrated social networking tools. Many others allow easy integration with existing social networks.