BOTH the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Department of Education (DepEd) are mulling to discourage, if not totally ban, the use of social media as part of academic requirements in passing the class.
The reason, primarily, is that instead of poring the heads of students with books and relevant discussions in class, social media became detrimental to learning because the learners are addicted to different contents provided online than the academic subjects.
Another is that this became an “excuse” for some educators by making social media-based “projects.” Usually these are activities that require students to create contents and the grading will be based on the number of views and reaction.
It can be understandable why, the internet is an open field of information that even governing bodies have no absolute control over it, and even in social media, some contents that are supposed to be taboo still get posted.
The internet, through social media, became the new TV. Before, students are discouraged to watch TV all day because it can influence undesirable behavior especially committing premarital sex and other promiscuity, it’s almost the same narrative now in cyberspace, with addition to the danger of initiating suicides, bullying, scams, sex scandals, and fake news.
DICT and DepEd want the welfare of students to be of high importance on this regard. Instead of social media, they are suggesting other computer programs or platforms that will students can still comply with computer-related tasks, without social media.
However, banning social media in classes could not only turn education a bit backwards, but also it deprives students a potential dimension of which they could have improved in their generation.
Social media have become the most used platform to communicate, and with functions that can cater easy creation and sharing of contents, this is partly one of the reasons why teacher-student engagements have found convenience, not even Google’s Classroom application can dethrone Facebook’s Messenger or Groups.
In classes related to media technology and media and information literacy, there is a need to not only understand the “how” of social media, but also its “why.” Perhaps, moderation is key, especially on the age when this social media are needed as an aid for educational instruction.
When a student steps in to junior high school, this is the time they should be oriented to the pros and cons of social media. And the more educators be aware of how to deal with issues within the platforms so that they can explain to the students thoroughly.
And yes, making grades based on the number of likes and shares must be discouraged, unless if the topic is about the impact of engagements and how it will translate to monetary value.
Social media, whether we embrace its system or still trying to veer away its prominence, are peek to the future trends. It is happening now, and it will still continue to evolve in the future. Better learn these things, let us understand, and then it is up to us if we contribute for the better, or worse.
(nefluczon@gmail.com)