Midterm Reflection

I think social media is creating meaningful connections and meaningful learning, however, I also think it creates superficial connections and learning. I think there are many instances where social media opens different avenues for people to make meaningful connections with people they otherwise may not have connected with. But at the same time, I think some of the connections are superficial and just coming to the surface to accomplish something and then they are forgotten.

It creates meaningful connections that otherwise people may not have made. Social media has the ability to open up so many doors and avenues for people that in the past have not been possible. Platforms like twitter and facebook are connecting so many people. People are creating new relationships and reestablishing old relationships that are long forgotten. Some professors are using these platforms for their classes. Helping students become more competent on these sites and helping them connect to the classmates in ways other than lecture. The opportunity to connect with classmates through social media is allowing students to relate and connect to their peers in ways that have not been possible in the past. Inclusion of social media in the classroom is a great way to build relationships and network yourself to others.

On the concept of it being superficial, I think it can be a little dangerous. There are cases where it is all fake and there is no true interaction. It turns into a waste of time and people dread doing it. In some cases, just putting pen to paper is the best way for them to learn and get lost and confused in the social media world. Some students have a very difficult time learning through social media and may not get the desired outcome of an assignment or class. It is a balancing act and you can’t give everyone what they want, but it is important to always have an open mind and give both sides a fair and honest chance.