Читать книгу Successes and Setbacks of Social Media - Группа авторов - Страница 24

As I reflect on my expanded use of social media during my doctoral program, I must admit that without the platforms, several aspects would have been more isolated, difficult, and time-consuming. I began the program with a very limited view of the capabilities, different applications, and usage of social media. In fact, I limited the focus to surface level displays of events in one’s life. Now, I have a greater appreciation for the ways in which social media can be used as a support tool to foster the exchange of ideas, promote collaboration, eliminate barriers, and enhance professional development opportunities.

Now that I am on the other side of the equation, as a full-time faculty member, I look for appropriate ways in which to incorporate social media elements into my courses. I continuously strive to embrace how social media can be an effective teaching and learning tool. Due to the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the norm is no longer the same. In a week’s time, all levels of the education industry shifted to a completely online delivery format. In this new reality of a global health crisis, using social media platforms to provide support is fundamental. The current circumstance prompts us to become operators of social media to communicate, collaborate, and create. It is time to think outside the perimeters. Individuals can do more than set up an audio conference call or use email as a way to exchange ideas. To help prevent isolation try videoconferencing. Freeconferencecall.com, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom provide an option for video sharing and real time chat. Use Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter to obtain real time insight into the well-being of colleagues, family, friends, and students.

With the practice of physical distancing, it is more imperative now than ever before that we fully embrace the use of social media platforms. I chose to apply and enroll in a hybrid low-residency doctoral program. Back then, I underestimated the impact that peer interaction and support would have on my educational journey. My experience has shown the value of using social media as a communication tool and support mechanism. During and after the pandemic, those lessons learned can be applied to my professional life to help my students navigate this unprecedented time and to continue to connect with colleagues and fellow educators. It is time to put to work the lessons learned by serving as the support that a student like me needed.