Socialmedia in formal and informal education between potentialities and reality

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Cover illustration by Valeria Sechi
PDF (Italian)
Published: Apr 30, 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17471/2499-4324/174
Keywords:
Educational Technology, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL), Social Networks and Learning, Social Media, Web 2.0, Informal Learning, Participation,

Main Article Content

Neil Selwyn
Department of Culture, Communications and Media, Institute of Education, University of London, London

Abstract

The growth of social media tools and applications over the past ten years has transformed the ways in which most people experience the Internet. As such, many education institutions (and educators) now find themselves expected to “catch-up” with this world of social media applications and social media users. Given the considerable hype and exaggeration that surrounds this area of technology, it is essential that educators are able to approach social media in a considered and knowledgeable manner. The issues addressed in this opening article are necessarily straightforward. What are the key features of social media and just what is their significance to contemporary education and learning? What are the limitations as well as the opportunities of social media use for education and learning? What changes does education need to make in order to remain relevant in the apparently fast-changing digital age?

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2012): TD55 - Social Networks and Learning
Section
Articles - Special Issue

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