Conclusion

The aim of this session has been to allow you to recognise the risks and potential negative consequences of engaging in social media during your HE studies. Across this course you have learned how communication and collaboration in higher education can be extremely beneficial to students.

The use of social media in Higher education is all about finding balance. Students who leverage social media to keep themselves connected to their studies need to ensure they are picking up the information and experiences they need at the right time. You should always be asking yourself if your engagement in social media was worth your time and your effort. Identify where social media is worthwhile and where it wastes your time. Technological advances don’t always lead to time efficiencies.

In Section 3 you focused on the use of the three social media apps. All of them have text as one of the key forms of information, but text based social media are not the only ones that might be used in the context of Higher Education. This course has not touched on the many others that exist, many of which are video or imaged based. But whatever the medium, many of the same principles will apply.

Finally, there are some fantastic opportunities for the use of social media as part of HE life. But remember most of the time the social-media-related activities on your modules or programmes will not be essential to your learning. It is still possible for you to link with fellow students through other university moderated spaces and events. Make choices wisely and remember to continue to educate yourself on your social media use. We leave you with some top tips.