Reasons for Leveraging Learning Communities with Social Media apps in Education

Social Learning in Communities
The Social Learning Theory of Bandura argues that "people learn from each other through observation, imitation, and modeling." Of course, the type of socialization that happens through "social" digital tools is definitely different from face-to-face interaction, but it also provides social learning opportunities.

Before, During, and After the class
Social media learning resources often place teachers to deliver material outside the classroom, and then "flip" the classroom – often focusing on what would have been homework during class. After the class it gives the opportunity to students and teachers to reflect upon the learning experience, by sharing opinions and ideas teachers and students can improve the learning process.

Assessment
Teachers may opt to include writing content grading as part of the rubrics they are creating to assess social media-based assignments and class work. Even students can participate during this process and help their classmates improve their learning experiences and outcomes.

Engagement and commitment
The use of social media and networking platforms clearly has a social dimension of it and helps students develop socialization skills that provide opportunities for emotional engagement, as well.

Communication
Students need to be social and sometimes in urban settings this is difficult. Social media app is a great tool to socialize through the Internet. This way of communication can be less intimidating and can allow shy students to socialize with others more comfortably.

Making connections
The use of social media and learning community tools provide interactive learning activities in the classroom. In addition, its use offers opportunities to engage other students and provide access to other instructors and experts (depending on the methods used). Due to these Internet-based applications, establishing links and connecting with these new colleagues has never been easier.

Future professional career opportunities
Developing technology skills is part of the present and future professional development. Social media is becoming more important to business currently. Many institutions and companies have moved from just discussing social media awareness and marketing to including actually social media business planning as part of their strategic planning efforts. An increasing number of professional positions desire or require social media awareness, and it seems likely that more positions will call for this skill in the future.

Autonomous (and interconnected) learning
Learning can be an internal process, but we know that some authors like Bruner or Vygotsky highlighted the social component of the learning process.
"Bruner, like Vygotsky, emphasized the social nature of learning, citing that other people should help a child develop skills through the process of scaffolding." (retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html)
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