Dive Brief:
- A new survey from the University of Phoenix College of Education found that just 13% of educators use social media as an instructional tool.
- Fewer than half of those surveyed thought social media could enhance a student’s learning experience.
- The number of those reluctant to use it has increased since 2014, from 55% to 62%.
Dive Insight:
According to the survey results, teachers had concerns about device use and interpersonal conflicts with and between students over social media. But a lack of training and support could also be behind teachers’ reluctance to incorporate social media into instruction. Although most surveyed had tech-related training, just 62% had received social media-specific training and trips.
Kathy Cook, dean of educational technology for University of Phoenix College of Education and a former K-12 educator, says social media offers educators great opportunity to provide innovative instruction. But she also said teachers should be prepared to teach students about responsible online behavior. “For teachers to stay current, keep students engaged and promote learning, it is important for teachers to acknowledge the influence of social media and understand how to use it to the benefit of their students,” she said.
