How Could Social Media Have More Of A Role In The Future Of Education For The Younger Generation?

"The wiser the person thinking about the future of the web, the more likely they are to admit as early as possible that no one really knows what will happen next"

A survey carried out asked how the future of the internet and technology could affect the current generation of young internet users by having an 'always-on' connection to people and information. Experts believed that the current generation by 2020 will experience effects that are more positive than detrimental. Many believed that the younger user has become easily adapted to a hyper connection to each other and the mobile web, and the effect will ensure a 'nimbleness' to the brain, which will ensure that they could be more 'quick acting' and better at multitasking, which may result in being more able to do well in key areas of life. Users will benefit and suffer due to their hyperconnected lives. (Anderson, Rainie, 2012). Whilst these advantages may in turn help with future life, there may be a change in the way the generation will change in attitudes. Predictions from child psychology experts such as Marc Prensky have stated that children will adapt their general outlook on life with wanting instant gratification. He has coined the phrase 'digital native' in which today's students are the first to represent the beginning of the 'new generation' where they are the first to be growing up with new technology. They have spent their entire lives surrounded by technology, and have been able to access a multitude of information at a moment's notice.

Currently, research indicates that teachers will make the assumption that all learners are the same, and the way in which people learn has been static, which along with the current digital age, is not the case. Due to the ever changing way children will be brought up with technology, there are a range of changes that have resulted from an 'always connected' life. Due to the differences in when the older generation was brought up, teachers will use methods they are used to, and the way in which they have learnt. A 'Digital Native' of the current generation will be used to receiving any information instantly. A more visual way of thinking is also highly used due to the way in which information has always been shown to them using technology. The 'Graphics before text' is one example of this. The overall way of functioning through life for the native, is that of being networked, "Thriving on instant gratification and frequent rewards". (Marc Prensky, 2001)

It is believed that a Digital native 'can't power down' and will struggle to pay attention in classroom situations. It has also been argued within research that it is possible they may choose not to concentrate. This is due to consistent need for visualisation, a manner which classroom situations may struggle to keep up with for all learning.

Judging by today's trends, the future of content will be 'digital and technological' argues Ben Donovan, "At the bare minimum, technology serves to increase the efficiency of education". It seems the issue may currently lie within the realms of who will teach the future of education. Digital Immigrants (Those who have grown up before the mass digital age) may not currently be prepared to teach in a way that today's digital students will need. As educators, understanding the future trends is a must to enable the current generation to advance forward with the way of learning. Clearly, vast changes toward the future have already taken place. Smartboards are being integrated into classrooms; the internet has become a regular tool for learning, and in a number of 'test schools', students have been given a tablet computer as a replacement for books. Technology may also give way to the overall impact on where children are taught. "In an increasingly globalized world, knowledge of other cultures is increasingly beneficial to students." (Ben Donovan, 2014) The advancement of communication (Such as Skype, FaceTime and Webcams) has helped to give an ease to overall globalization. Imagine taking your class on an "around the world" field trip or having your favourite children`s author lead today`s read-aloud.

This is a revolutionary habitude by which to engage a student. Communication can be advanced to a new level, without the need to visit the area. Foreign cultures could be taught easily with video demonstration without receiving second-hand information from the likes of textbooks. Additional education through technology could be the communication between the parents, students and educators. This is where Social Media Websites could give a vastly improve to this.

Clearly social media websites and the advancements in technology can offer the opportunity to enhance communications within the classroom environment, or even home life for student and parents alike. Group collaboration can be employed within the social sites to engage and address any issues and questions for use with homework or tasks set. Clearly though this will be an addition for the student over the age set in the terms and conditions of the Social Media website.