The Impact of Social Networks on Education - Research Proposal Example

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON EDUCATION Name Institution Professor Course Date The Impact of Social Networks on Education Executive The research proposal is organised in diverse sections with reference to background, literature review, research significance, and methodology. This is ideal in the development of quality presentation and illustration of the diverse concepts concerning adoption and implementation of social networks or social media platforms in the improvement of education. The objective of this research paper will be to illustrate the influence and implications of social networks or social media on education. Moreover, the study will focus on evaluation and assessment of mechanisms for the integration of social networks in handling educational goals and targets. The study will consider examination of the benefits and limitations of social networks towards the growth and development of education. The study will focus on integration of an exploratory research design with the purpose of incorporating qualitative research technique in the course of collecting and analysing data. It is ideal to note that implementation of the qualitative research designs will be critical in the development of hypotheses for further testing as well as development of qualitative questionnaire. The study will be a significant step towards improving ICT knowledge, technical capability, and practice. Table of Contents Executive 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Research questions 5 Objectives and Aims of the Study 5 Background 6 Research Significance & Innovation 12 Research Methods 14 Conclusion 15 List of References 17 Introduction In the recent years, education field has undergone rapid significant changes in relation to implementation of the essence of technology. Incorporation of technology has been ideal in designing better and more advanced learning tools, thus implementation of new subjects to the educational programs as well as evolution of the teaching methods in accordance with the demands and expectations of the students. The 21st century is seen as a digital entity focusing on the exploitation of the digital natives. It is difficult to imagine the lives of the children in the 21st century without computer systems. They tend to spend most of their hours online looking for information, creating, and sharing substantial data on the internet platforms. In the most contexts, web environment is essential in the provision of limitless virtual opportunities under the influence of the social networks. It is critical to note that ever-growing implications of the social networks or social media platforms in diverse sectors. From this perspective, social networks or media are the new tools in relation to the concept of digital generation. They have the ability to affect a very large public consisting of children, adults, and teenagers, hence the opportunity to enhance communication within the society while creating close links with individuals across the globe. The objective of this research paper will be to illustrate the influence and implications of social networks or social media on education. Moreover, the study will focus on evaluation and assessment of mechanisms for the integration of social networks in handling educational goals and targets. The study will consider examination of the benefits and limitations of social networks towards the growth and development of education. According to the existing information or data on the scope of the study, social networks or social media tend to create much more benefits in comparison to few limitations in relation to the growth and development of education. The research proposal is organised in diverse sections with reference to background, literature review, research significance, and methodology. This is ideal in the development of quality presentation and illustration of the diverse concepts concerning adoption and implementation of social networks or social media platforms in the improvement of education. Research questions In the course of handling the purpose and objective of the study, the process will concentrate on evaluating or assessing the following research questions in accordance with the scope of the research: i. Do social networks or social media platforms provide more benefits than limitations in relation to education? ii. What are the positive implications of social networks on education? iii. What are the negative implications or limitations of social networks on education? iv. What role can social networks play in the transformation and improvement of the quality of education? v. Is there substantial future for social networks in the course of educational pursuit? Objectives and Aims of the Study The objective of this research paper will be to illustrate the influence and implications of social networks or social media on education. This is through critical analysis of the positive and negative implications or influence of social networks in handling the demands and expectations of the students in pursuing their educational goals. In addition, the study will see to determine potential impact of social networks in the transformation and improvement of the education quality while adhering to the expectation and satisfaction of the learning agents. Another objective of the study is to improve the body of knowledge in relation to the scope of the study. This is through evaluation of the existing and emerging positive as well as negative aspects or facets of social media platforms in the course of handling the goals and targets of students in pursuit of education. The major aim of the study is to enhance understanding of the influence of the social media platforms in enhancing communication and interaction between student and teachers in the course of pursuing educational goals and targets. On the other hand, the study will concentrate on assessing whether it is a good approach for the society and educational practice to incorporate social media or networks in the process of offering educational content to the students. These attributes are essential in understanding the influence of technological advancements in transformation of the events, mechanisms, and activities in the context of educational sectors. From this perspective, it is critical to note that technology is one of the modern revelations towards improvement and transformation of education. Background Technology proves to possess a reciprocal relationship with the aspect of teaching. The emergence of technological advancements has been ideal in pushing educators towards understanding and leveraging the tools for usage in classrooms. Similarly, the on-the-ground implementation of the technological advancements in the classrooms has direct implications on how these technologies continue to take shape. In the modern society, some of the key social networks emerging under the influence of digitalisation of the globe include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Blogs, and other relevant educational websites. Educational practitioners have the ability and opportunity to use these techniques in the course of understanding and imparting the required knowledge in accordance with the needs and expectations of the students for improved level of satisfaction. The emergence of new technologies throughout history has not been a free ride. The approach and development continue to associate with the cry for educators to locate or identify meaningful ways of incorporating technologies into the classroom. It is essential to illustrate the powerful place or position of the previous technologies in relation to incorporation of instructions, strong lessons, and achievement of learning objectives. In spite of these quality developments and incorporation of technologies in the learning environments, there is a sharp disconnection between the way students experience teaching in schools and the approach to socialisation, meaning making, and accomplishment by the outside world. In this context, education should seek to mitigate this disconnect in order to make the two worlds more seamless. In addition, the education practice should seek to leverage the power of the emerging technologies towards realisation of effective instructional gain. Social media networks relate to interactive as well as collective tools on the internet, which are essential in the provision of opportunities for the creation, sharing, and publishing information while enhancing construction of communities and improvement of communication across the globe. The implications or influences of social networks are not limited to industries. The impact of social networks has been evident in the educational sector. In the actual sense, the movement of social media networks has taken place in general education, hence the aspect of leveraging the potential implications of the social networking for the achievement of educational goals. The usage of the social networks has been critical in helping children, teenagers, and adults to experience growth and effective integration into the new digital world. Social media platforms have the potentiality of being harmful to the children in the way they lose focus on school and educational requirements, thus reduction in the academic performance. On the other hand, the social networks might be beneficial for teachers and students in the generation of quality learning environment under the influence of correct and responsible application in relation to effective monitoring of parents for the students. The existing diversity in relation to output of the social networks on education is the major rationale in understanding the role of these technological platforms in the digitalisation of education practice and sectors. The study will seek to bridge the gap through evaluation of the existing information and the questions requiring answers and assessment. In the course of understanding the role of social media platforms or networks on education, it is critical to note that numerous researchers have been on the forefront in evaluation and assessment of diverse aspects of the study. For instance, Chelly & Matailllet (2012, p. 1-4), have been on the forefront in relation to evaluation and examination of the essence of social media and the impact on education. In their research, these personalities focused on illustrating the impact of social media on education and home schooling or the essence of tutoring. The study demonstrates negative and positive aspects of social networks in accordance with the demands and expectations of the students. In the course of trying to analyse the usage of the new technologies through social media in educational institutions, these researchers note the role of the platforms in the creation of quality learning environment for interaction and communication between the students and teachers. On the other hand, the study is essential in indicating the influence of social media on education through demonstration of how the platforms can enable students to lose focus on their educational goals and targets, thus deterioration of the academic performance. Another key study in the development of this research is Tariq et al (2012, p. 408-412). The purpose of this research article is to evaluate and assess the implications of social media and social networks on education as well as the students of Pakistan. According to the research paper, social networks have the ability to offer positive elements in relation to growth and significant development of the students. On the other hand, the study notes that a closer look at the real implications of social networks indicates the essence or role of the new technological tools in ruining the future and career of the relevant students. This is through continuous distraction of the students from their studies. In addition, the research article notes that the focus of the students should be on education rather than emphasising on such platforms, which can be a complete wastage of resources. The article is an illustration of the rapid transformation of the role of social networks from agents of communication to facets of addiction contributing to distraction of the students in pursuit of their educational goals and targets. Klopfer et al (2009, p. 1-23) also focus on weighing into the discussion of the influence of social media or networks on the growth and development of education. This is through evaluation of the instructional power of the digital games, social networking, and simulations in improving the learning conditions and environment for success of the students. According to this research, implementation of technologies in the classrooms tends to have both positive and negative implications. At one hand, the approach is essential in improving concentration and participation of the students, thus an opportunity for the achievement of learning objectives. On the other hand, implementation of these technologies in the learning institutions might lead to reduction in the performance of the students seeking to pursue their educational goals and develop their careers. This is through distraction of the students from the major instructional components of the learning platforms, hence the aspect of addiction. Kriek (2011, p. 68-73) contributes to understanding of the scope of the study through evaluation of the impact of the mobile social media in relation to a private hider education institution in the case of South Africa. According to the study, the usage of social media is on a rapid growth in diverse sectors. For instance, business entities focus on integrating social media into their operations in the course of achieving competitive advantage. Social media or networks have the ability to generate quality communication and connectivity between service providers and the target audiences. Claros & Cobos (2013, p. 570-575) have also sought to contribute to the development of this discussion. This is through examination of the concept of social media learning. The study views this concept as an approach for composition of multimedia interactive object in relation to a collaborative environment. The purpose of the study is to offer an effective illustration of the new collaborative environment for the composition of multimedia-interactive learning objects with reference to the aspect of the social media learning. It is critical to note that social media learning has both negative and positive outcomes, which are essential in determination of the success or failure of the students in pursuit of their educational goals and targets. Carter et al (2014, p. 1-10) also sought to evaluate the relationship between social media and emergency management. This is through extensive exploration of the state and local tweets. From this study, it is essential to note that social media in emergency management continues to be a crucial resource for the government agencies across the world. The purpose of the study was to explore types of social media strategies by governments in the course of responding to major weather-related events. Tan et al (2013, p. 1259-1266) focus on evaluation and assessment of the implications of social media on social movements. This is through utilisation of a computational study on Twitter as well as the occupy Wall Street movement. From this research, it is essential to point to the fact that the usage of digital social media by the social movement actors continues to be an emerging and developing trend, which is vital in restructuring of the communication dynamics of social protests and mobilisation of the movements. The purpose of the study was to explore diverse computational methods in the course of measuring the impact of social media in relation to social movements. The outcomes of this study represent the role and impact of social media platforms in the course of handling diverse needs and preferences of the social movement actors seeking to mobilise and initiate social protests. This is evident in the case of Arab Spring as well as the Occupy Wall Street movement. Another critical study towards understanding the role of social media in the society is Haiyan (2010, p. 509-512). The purpose of the society is to evaluate or assess the impact of social media on the aspect of online travel information search in the case of China. Social websites have the ability and potentiality to play more and more important roles in the course of offering quality information to travellers. The paper focuses on selecting nine Chinese excellent tourism cities with different city level, population size, and geographic location. In addition, the study incorporates six main travel-related keywords with the intention of studying the impact of social media on online travel information search under the influence of the Baidu search engine. From this illustration, it is critical to note that social media and networks have diverse implications in relation to diverse sectors with reference to business, health, and education aspects. The execution of this study will concentrate on the role of social media or networks in the improvement of education. This is through critical examination of the positive and negative elements or outcomes of social media in attempts to improve the quality of education among the students and service providers. The research will be critical in bridging the gap between the existing and unknown information concerning the relationship between social media and education. On the other hand, the study will be critical in the provision of the perfect platform for continuous execution of research in this field. Research Significance & Innovation From the information on the background analysis, it is critical to note that the study will be a significant step towards improving ICT knowledge, technical capability, and practice. In the first instance, it is critical to note that social media is one of the most exciting tools or technologies in the modern society. This is evident in its implementation in diverse sectors such as education, health, and business. Social media is vital in the improvement of communication as well as connectivity of the service providers and target audiences. In the recent developments, social media platforms have been ideal in the educational platforms. Students and teachers use these social media platforms or networks to enhance their communication and interaction with the purpose of improving the quality and output of education. From this perspective, it is crucial to explore and understand the effects or influences of social media on education. The research will be valuable in understanding both negative and positive outcomes of the social networks in pursuit of educational goals and targets by the students. In addition, the approach will be essential in exploring and disseminating ways as well as mechanisms through which learning institutions can improve their usage of social networks to enhance performance of the students in pursuit of educational goals and targets. The significance of the study will be evident in increased knowledge, skills, and expertise by the students and teachers in the course of enhancing the image and reputation of education. In this context, the study will be a revelation to the ICT knowledge and influence in the classroom contexts. From a social or business perspective, it is critical to evaluate and explore positive and negative aspects of social media or networks. In the first aspect, understanding the scope and facets of the study will be vital in improving effectiveness and efficiency of the social networks. In addition, the study will facilitate minimisation of the limitations of social networks in accordance with the demands and perceptions of the consumers or students depending on the context of evaluation. Business entities and institutions will have the opportunity to improve their understanding on the potentiality of the social networking in enhancing their images and reputation across the globe under the influence of technological advancements. Organisation and execution of the study illustrate its innovative aspect in that it will provide the perfect opportunity to understand on the mechanisms through which educational practitioners can exploit social networks. From this illustration, the study will not just stop at exploration of the positive and negative aspects of social networks on education, but will provide the needed information and expertise towards improvement of educational environment under the influence of such technologies in the modern context. The approach will be essential in improving understanding of the students and other relevant stakeholders within the educational sector on mechanisms of utilising social networks in accordance with the needs and expectations of the target audience in the industry and sector of transaction. The information from the background section of the proposal indicates lack of data on how to improve the influence of social networks on the achievement of educational goals and targets. This will provide the perfect platform for effective understanding and utilisation of social networks in the educational sector or context. Research Methods The study will focus on integration of an exploratory research design with the purpose of incorporating qualitative research technique in the course of collecting and analysing data. It is ideal to note that implementation of the qualitative research designs will be critical in the development of hypotheses for further testing as well as development of qualitative questionnaire. In addition, the approach or research design will be critical in understanding the feelings, values, and perceptions, which underlie as well as influence behaviour with reference to exploring the impact of social media in the modern education system. The approach will also be valuable in exploring the language and imagery target audiences use in the course of describing and relating to the social networks or brands. From this perspective, the research design will be essential in the assessment of the meaning of the products of social networks in the course of improving provision of education and performance of the students in pursuit of their educational goals and targets. The team will focus on execution of diverse activities in relation to collection and analysis of data. This is through effective and efficient understanding of the scope and research questions in the achievement of the goals of the study. The team will concentrate in the development of quality research instruments to facilitate administration of the questionnaires and execution of interviews in the course of collecting valuable data in accordance with the perception and objectives of the study. Similarly, the team will focus on evaluation or assessment of the findings of the research with the purpose of providing the perfect platform for documentation and generalisation of the key outcomes. This will be essential in the development of diverse theoretical frameworks by the organisation with the purpose of handling the needs and preferences of the target audiences. The research techniques will yield qualitative research data, which is vital in illustrating the impact of social networks on education. In the course of executing this research, the study will incorporate the essence of field study, which is flexibility in nature since it enables facilitation and administration of questionnaires as well as execution of interviews. On the other hand, the approach expresses flexibility since the team will engage in initial testing of the questionnaires and interview questions with the intention of evaluating their validity and reliability in generation of consistent data in accordance with the research questions or objectives. The study will focus on incorporating interviews and questionnaires in the generation or collection of data because of the large size of the sample. The study will focus on utilising 150 research participants. The research participants will incorporate educational practitioners and students with the ability narrate their engagement with the social networks in pursuit of educational goals and targets. The approach will substantiate the usage of extensive literature review concerning past research exercises and articles in the similar subject of study. The team will develop a checklist with the intention of measuring the progress and success of the collection and analysis of the research findings in accordance with the qualitative research perspective. The approach will also be ideal in the collection and evaluation of data while considering other factors such as environmental and societal influence in relation to understanding the positive and negative implications of social networks on education. The research design will be essential in the evaluation of the mechanisms of improving educational performance and engagement under the influence of social networks. Conclusion Social media networks relate to interactive as well as collective tools on the internet, which are essential in the provision of opportunities for the creation, sharing, and publishing information while enhancing construction of communities and improvement of communication across the globe. The implications or influences of social networks are not limited to industries. The impact of social networks has been evident in the educational sector. The objective of the research paper will be to illustrate the influence and implications of social networks or social media on education. Moreover, the study will focus on evaluation and assessment of mechanisms for the integration of social networks in handling educational goals and targets. The study will consider examination of the benefits and limitations of social networks towards the growth and development of education. The emergence of technological advancements has been ideal in pushing educators towards understanding and leveraging the tools for usage in classrooms. Similarly, the on-the-ground implementation of the technological advancements in the classrooms has direct implications on how these technologies continue to take shape. The study will be a significant step towards improving ICT knowledge, technical capability, and practice, which is an expression of the innovative and originality of the study in accordance with exploring the influence of social networks on education. List of References Waqas Tariq et al, 2012, “The Impact of Social Media and Social Networks on Education and Students of Pakistan.” International Journal of Computer Science Issues, 9 (3), 407- 411. Chelly M & Mataillet H, 2012, “Social Media and the Impact on Education: Social Media and Home Education.” IEEE, 236-239. Kriek, L., 2011, “Mobile social media for a private higher education institution in South Africa”, 3rd Symposium on Web Society (SWS), 26-28 Oct. 2011, South Africa. Van Meter Community School Librarian Shannon McClintock Miller, 2011, “Positive Effects of Social Media in Education”, New Leaf and Learning Conference, (YouTube), June 1 2011, United States. Claros I, & Cobos R, 2013, “Social Media Learning: an Approach for Composition of Multimedia Interactive Object in a Collaborative Learning Environment.” IEEE, 570- 575. L Carter et al, 2014, “Social Media and Emergency Management: Exploring State and Local Tweets.” 47th Hawaii International Conference on System Science, 1968-1977. Li Tan et al, 2013, “Analysing the impact of social media on Social movements: a computational study on Twitter and the Occupy Wall Street movement.” IEEE/ACM International Conference, 1259-1266. Chai Haiyan, 2010, “An impact of social media on online travel information search in China.” International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management, and Industrial Engineering, 509-512. Klopfer Eric et al, 2009, “Using the technology of today in the classroom today.” The Education Arcade, 1-23. Bearison, D., & Dorval, B. 2002, “Constructive features of collaborative cognition. In, Collaborative Cognition: Children Negotiating Ways of Knowing.” 117-121. Read More