Social media a valuable study aid
WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are being harnessed to assist students with revision.
|||Cape Town - During their final exams matrics are usually encouraged to keep their noses in their books but the Independent Institute of Education said they can benefit from social media and useful applications.
If used correctly, social media could benefit pupils said the institute’s senior head of programmes, Wonga Ntshinga.
The institute is an accredited private higher education organisation which controls Vega, Rosebank College, Varsity College and Design School Southern Africa.
“We have noticed how WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are being harnessed for revision,” Ntshinga said.
He said having gained popularity in recent years, these platforms were accessibile from most devices and locations and they increased positive social interaction between users.
“The use of technology, which has become so pervasive, gives the learners a self-service that is robust and user-friendly to learning new concepts and to connect with each other,” he said.
Ntshinga said pupils could use WhatsApp Messenger to create study groups.
“Members of that group then discuss issues concerning study materials, question papers, even admin issues around particular exams.
“Because WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia, many learners are able to collaborate on this platform regardless of device”.
The platform also had an ability to send images, video, and audio messages, which can also be of benefit in group study.
“You can create a video of how you solved a particular mathematics equation or physical science experiment and share it with your group,” he said. “Or you can record a tutorial and pass it on to your peers”.
According to Ntshinga, YouTube could also help pupils. “YouTube has many videos related to Grade 12 content. For instance, if you search for ‘Grade 12 physical science’, you will get an extensive list of videos that may be helpful in your preparations. Or you could narrow your search to a particular area that you find challenging”.
Using groups on Facebook is another option for pupils. “Here, your study group can share possible questions that may come up in the examination papers or use the group to post previous question papers. Each time your peers post important subject matter you will get a notification”.
With Twitter, pupils could keep up with relevant and interesting topics in their studies. “For example, if you search #biology, you are presented with user @Molecular who tweets about the latest news, research, books and journals in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and stem cells,” Ntshinga said.
He said access to information and communications technology tools at home and at school should be encouraged by both parents and teachers to assist pupils. “Many learners love technology and use it to the fullest,” he said.
“With technology costs having reduced drastically over the years, parents and teachers should consider making use of these tools as they can improve grades, participation, knowledge and confidence. Most importantly, they can help make learning just a little bit more fun”.
Meanwhile, 847 Western Cape pupils in 17 Independent Examinations Board schools are writing their final examinations on Monday. Countrywide, 10 228 full-time candidates and 636 private candidates registered with the IEB were sitting for the NSC examinations at 200 examination centres.
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