Internet data shows Filipinos are the most sociable online. UM WAVE Social Media shows 83.1% of Filipino internet users belong to social networking sites – no. 1 in the world.
This does not come as a surprise as almost every Filipino now, from children as young as five, has his/her own Facebook account. According to Alexa, a site ranking portal, out of 9 sites Filpinos visit, 4 are social media sites and Facebook tops the list.
And while they say there is a digital divide with a small percentage of households owning personal computers, this does not seem to hinder Filipino children from learning social media tools. There are organizations like SmartSchools who continuously strive to provide computer laboratories to public high schools. Cost of Internet access is also getting more affordable; students can rent computers in internet cafes for PhP10-20 per hour. And then there is the availability of Internet access on mobile phones at budget prices.
There are issues and concerns, however, regarding the safety and benefits of social media on students’ learning – from social media being a distraction to being unsafe for children. There are schools that prohibit students from bringing laptops and/or mobile phones or schools blocking social media sites from being accessible. At home, there are also parents who prohibit their children from accessing Internet.
According to a Nielsen survey (Nielsen Media Index 2008) of top activities done online, online games tops ages 10-14 but is immediately followed by academic research. For ages 15-19, chatting is the highest but again academic research ranks second.
This year, there is no doubt that social media may be the highest for both age brackets and even for all ages. But distraction and safety risks aside, these tools allow students to widen their social network, learn, and more importantly, share things. Also, the right online tools and resources can become a more cost-effective alternative to traditional learning materials.
A quote in internet newspaper Huffingtonpost aptly summarized how teachers and parents should view social media:
"By understanding how students may be positively using these networking technologies in their daily lives and where the as-yet-unrecognized educational opportunities are, we can help make schools even more relevant, connected, and meaningful to kids."
Social media is here to stay. And if it’s where the kids and the students are, then the academe should strive to find a balance between its importance and safety. As we continuously seek ways to satisfy both sides, social media may revolutionize Philippine education.
Sources:
"Social Networking In Schools: Educators Debate The Merits Of Technology In Classrooms." Huffington Post. (Posted March 27, 2011). Retrieved January 22, 2012 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/27/social-networking-schools_n_840911.html
Anderson, Steven. “What Role Should Social Media Play in Education?” Blogging About the Web 2.0 Connected Classroom. (Posted on Sep 23, 2009). Retrieved January 22, 2012 from http://blog.web20classroom.org/2009/09/what-role-should-social-media-play-in.html
Atienza, Bea. "Philippines - Digital Statistics." (Uploaded on May 18, 2010 on Slideshare.net) Retrieved January 22, 2012 from http://www.slideshare.net/beaa/philippines-digital-statistics-4142217