I think the pandemic has taught the education industry just how valuable remote learning technologies can be. Virtual learning platforms allowed in-person courses to continue instruction when social-distancing protocols obligated mass school closures across the world. Social media platforms allowed students to remain connected to their classmates and teachers. For faculty and administration, it allowed them to remain connected to their peers and continue professional development. Therefore, I think it’s only reasonable that classrooms will continue to embrace the technology moving forward.
Even as normal courses resume, social media platforms will allow students who are unable to attend classes due to circumstances beyond their control to keep up with their coursework. In addition, students who prefer home-schooling will be able to use social media to help them build a sense of community with their classmates and faculty.
One of the biggest challenges schools will continue to face is the appropriate use of social media and how they respond to policy violations. Having a well-crafted social media policy will help, but there will always be those who either choose to ignore the policy and then complain of rights violations when they are held accountable for their actions. I believe this will continue to be a legal struggle, and schools should do their due diligence in regards to applicable laws while crafting their social media policies.
Mallory Jones 