Educational Technology, Learning Games & Simulations, Social Media

How Social Media & Gamification Boost Online Learning

March 28, 2011 Comments Off on Using Social Media and Game Mechanics Improve Learning

Do you hear what I hear? After reading Social Networking in Schools on the Huffington Post today, I recognized that nearly every project I’ve worked on over the past year has pointed towards a new round of convergence — a mash-up of social media, mobile media, game mechanics, assessment, and various forms of blended or self-directed study in the service of improved online learning.

Quick Answer

Social media and game mechanics significantly improve online learning by fostering student engagement and developing essential skills. A University of Minnesota survey of 16-18 year olds revealed that 94 percent used the internet and 77 percent had social networking profiles, learning technology, creativity, and communication skills from these platforms. Mashable further supports this, arguing that social media is not going away, enhances student engagement, and promotes collaboration rather than cliques.

Of course the issues around using social media, game mechanics and other techniques to improve learning vary according to educational level. The concerns of K-12 teachers and parents are very different from those in post-secondary, professional and corporate settings. One thing that’s clear, though, is that most students get it and benefit from it.

Three years ago, researchers at the University of Minnesota surveyed students ages 16 to 18, in 13 urban high schools in the Midwest. 94 percent reported using the Internet, 82 percent go online at home, and 77 percent had a profile on a social networking site. When asked what they learn from using social networking sites, the students listed technology skills as the top lesson, followed by creativity, being open to new or diverse views, and communication skills (Educational Benefits of Social Networking Sites – University of Minnesota).

More recently, Mashable made a Case for Social Media in Schools, framing their argument around six immutable points:

  1. Social Media is Not Going Away
  2. When Kids are Engaged They Learn Better
  3. Safe Social Media Tools are Available and Free
  4. Replace Online Procrastination with Social Media
  5. Social Media Promotes Collaboration, Not Cliques
  6. Cell Phones Aren’t the Enemy

Their conclusion, “Nobody would dispute that the risks of using social media are real and not to be taken lightly. But there are also dangers offline. The teachers and parents who embrace social media say the best way to keep kids safe, online or offline, is to teach them.”

More starting points from around the web to explore this further:

Care to share your experience?

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Learning Games & Simulations, Marketing, User Experience Design

Eat Candy, Win Prizes!

March 15, 2012 Comments Off on Eat Candy, Win Prizes!

What’s old is new again, and I’m not talking about Cracker Jacks. They never went away, and neither did the “prize” inside. The old and new that I’m talking about is gamification – the application of game mechanics and techniques to make <insert your site, mobile app or product here> more fun, engaging, popular and […]

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can social media improve learning in a business context?

The article suggests that social media use in learning environments can cultivate technology skills, creativity, openness to diverse views, and communication abilities. These benefits, observed in educational settings, indicate that social platforms can support various forms of blended or self-directed online learning, which could be applied to professional development or client education within a business.

2 Is online learning effective for adults or professionals, based on these concepts?

The article acknowledges that while concerns differ between K-12 and higher education, these techniques are also considered for "post-secondary, professional and corporate settings." It highlights that most students generally understand and benefit from these approaches, suggesting their potential effectiveness across various adult learning contexts.

3 What are the benefits of integrating social media into learning environments?

Integrating social media into learning environments has been shown to improve technology skills, foster creativity, encourage openness to new or diverse views, and enhance communication skills. These advantages were identified through surveys of students actively using social networking sites.

4 How do the trends of social media and game mechanics relate to improving online learning for businesses?

The article identifies a convergence of social media, mobile media, game mechanics, and blended or self-directed study as key trends for improving online learning. While specific applications vary by educational level, these elements are being explored in professional and corporate settings to enhance learning outcomes and engagement.