People use different ways to communicate with other people around the world. Some people send letters while others use telephones. The internet, as well, is a growing player in the world of social networking.
There a number of different sites people can use to stay connected with one another such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and FriendFeed. These sites have become more than just a way to talk with one’s friend about how their day was and the current gossip, they can also be used for education.
Education does not just have to deal with teachers talking non-stop or text books with 12 point font. Social Networking sites have become more purposeful by creating applications which can help students, from all ages, organize, learn and advance.
Applications have been used for many things, like quizzing others, wasting time and educating while making it fun and interactive. There are applications like Notely, an application on Facebook that allows students to schedule events, create lists for organizing tests, exams and even homework. Another application, Courses, allows users to post schedules for classes. It also allows students to create message boards where they can discuss issues and topics brought up in class, it even includes video chat.
Amanda Trujillo, an archeology major of the 2013 class of Potsdam University, believes that social networking sites are just a great way for her and friends to communicate with each other over the internet. Asia Hancock, an avid user of social networking sites, states that they are just used to “communicate, meet new people” and relieve people like herself from boredom.
People of all ages use social networking sites to keep in touch and stay connected with the world around them, but it is becoming something of a way to educate students, keep them organized and help them succeed. Social networking is not just a communicator, it is also an educator.
