Making Social Media Work to Your Educational Advantage | Enilda Romero-Hall | TEDxUTampa

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker reflects on their journey with social media, starting from their initial hesitance to engage with platforms like Facebook to recognizing their potential for informal learning. By 2018, social media had become integral to communication, with a notable rise in usage. The speaker highlights how online communities facilitate knowledge sharing and foster a sense of belonging among graduate students, emphasizing the importance of using social media ethically and innovatively. Ultimately, they advocate for transforming social media into a tool for educational growth, encouraging users to actively shape their online experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their journey with social media, initially joining Facebook in 2005 as an undergraduate but later deleting their account due to overwhelm.
• 😀 Social media usage has significantly increased globally, with U.S. usage rising from 5% in 2005 to 69% in 2016, indicating its pervasive influence.
• 😀 Despite the benefits of social media for communication, there are concerns about its impact on mental well-being, as highlighted by various negative headlines.
• 😀 The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a family vacation to Cartagena, Colombia, illustrating the contrast between real life and social media portrayals.
• 😀 Research shows that social media can be utilized for informal learning, allowing users to connect and exchange information within communities.
• 😀 Graduate students are using social media to maintain conversations outside the classroom, share job opportunities, and develop curiosity in their fields.
• 😀 Online communities provide a sense of belonging and encourage interactions with diverse perspectives, promoting reflection and reshaping knowledge.
• 😀 Not all students actively participate in discussions; some prefer to observe and read content shared by others.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for innovative and ethical uses of social media, encouraging users to become intentional learners and engage with relevant trends and research.
• 😀 Users have the responsibility to curate their social media experiences, focusing on educational opportunities while also recognizing and coping with the challenges posed by these platforms.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with social media in 2005?

The speaker initially started using Facebook after being influenced by friends and classmates who described it as a better version of MySpace. However, after about three years, they felt overwhelmed and deleted their account.

How did the speaker's perspective on social media change after attending an international conference?

After noticing that many classmates learned about a valuable MOOC through Facebook, the speaker reconsidered their decision to leave social media and eventually rejoined Facebook and other platforms to connect and learn informally.

What evidence does the speaker provide regarding the growth of social media usage?

The speaker cites statistics showing that social media usage in the U.S. grew from 5% in 2005 to 69% in 2016, reflecting a global trend in social media adoption.

What negative impacts of social media does the speaker mention?

The speaker discusses concerns about social media's effects on mental well-being, distractions it causes, and how it can misinform users, highlighting the need for a balanced view of its use.

What role does social media play in informal learning according to the speaker's research?

The speaker found that social media online communities facilitate informal learning by allowing students to share knowledge, exchange opportunities, and maintain connections outside of the classroom.

What did the research reveal about students' interactions in social media communities?

The research indicated that students appreciate candid and spontaneous conversations in social media communities, which foster a sense of belonging and community among participants.

How can users harness social media for educational purposes?

Users can become self-directed learners by using social media to gather information about trends, connect with thought leaders, and explore rigorous research relevant to their fields of interest.

What does the speaker suggest about engaging with diverse perspectives on social media?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with individuals outside one's ideological circle, as such interactions can challenge views and promote innovative thinking.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of social media for sharing personal content?

The speaker acknowledges the enjoyment of sharing personal content, like cat videos and selfies, but stresses the importance of balancing this with educational and meaningful interactions.

What responsibility do social media users have according to the speaker?

The speaker believes it is the users' responsibility to control their social media interactions, ensuring that their engagement is beneficial, ethical, and conducive to learning.