SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Technology has led to the development of thousands of innovations that is changing the world for good. For instance, in the automobile industry, the advancement of technology has led to the discovery of driverless cars that are already replacing the conventional manual driven cars we have all around us. Technology has also led to the development of the internet that allows students to enjoy unlimited access to all the information in the world.
As a result of technology, lots of writing agencies are now available to satisfy the writing needs of students. Moreover, as a student, you can get your powerpoint done within a short period of time. All you have to do is type “do my powerpoint for me” in any search engine and you will receive a list of valuable writing agencies that will deliver this task in no time. Despite all of this, social media still remains the biggest advantage of technology and in the educational sector; social media fosters academic excellence in the following ways;
1. Updates on latest innovations in the industry
Social media provide students with updates on the latest technological innovations in their areas of specialization. Most professional organizations run and operate active social media pages. In these pages, information is constantly shared by active members of the group about the latest discoveries in their respective industry. Hence, any student that has access to these groups enjoys regular updates on the latest innovation gaining more knowledge in the process. This knowledge helps students draw up more ideas and insight boosting their academic performance.
2. Means for research
Students on professional groups on social media enjoy access to many magazines, newsletters and journals that are constantly dropped on these platforms. These documents provide the student with wide insights for ideas and thoughts. Furthermore, through these groups, students receive suggestions on possible textbooks to consult when writing a thesis or dissertation. Moreover, some professionals on these social media platforms even go as far as providing relevant data and statistics to project students aiding them in their research.
3. Mentorship opportunities
Social media provides mentorship opportunities to students by connecting them with professionals and experts in their area of specialization. Mentorship aids in the personal development of the student by providing the students with advice and lessons. Also, some of these mentors aid in the academic progress of the students by providing professional assistance during the student’s research projects.
4. Scholarship and grant opportunities
Social media helps students gain relevant information on some of the scholarship programmes and grants offered by top companies. Most top companies make this kind of crucial announcement through their social media pages and a student on social media can get first-hand knowledge of this information. Any student that wins these scholarships and grants can receive funding for personal innovative projects and studies boosting their academic and career pedigree.
5. Virtual learning and webinars
In a time where social distancing and other health regulations are preventing students from studying in the traditional classroom based systems, social media is aiding in virtual learning. Most schools use social media like zoom, Instagram or Skype to present lectures to students replacing the physical lecture systems. Also, with health legislations in place, most international conferences and conventions are now held online, thus students can have access to most of them. While virtual learning allows students to enjoy unlimited access to lecture materials, participating at most of these webinars aids in the academic development of the student.
6. Connect in a better way with tutors
In the conventional classroom system, students are permitted to ask questions only in the class. Also, although some tutors allow students to visit them in their offices for consultation, scheduling these kinds of meetings can be very difficult. However, social media allows students to connect with their tutors by providing a channel for discussions. Through social media, a student can easily receive answers to questions and even the shy ones can finally ask questions they avoided in class. Social media allows students to connect with tutors in a better way improving their academic performance.
7. Meeting point for group discussions
Most students form or join learning groups in school and social media helps them relate with each other over long distances at no possible cost. Social media serves as a meeting point for students in the same study group where they can share ideas, resources and knowledge on assignments or class projects. This increases the academic performances of students.
8. Showcase their talents
Students can use social media to showcase their talents and innovations to the world. In the process, the felicitations they receive can motivate them to work harder. However, the biggest benefit of showcasing talents and skills on social media is the exposure to job prospects and career connections.
In conclusion, social media is a tool that facilitates academic excellence and besides the various ways explained in this article; through its social media pages, universities can update prospective students of the admission requirement. This helps prospective students gain acquaintance with the admission requirements and activities of the university before setting foot there.
