There is no doubt in saying that there was a massive amount of learning acquired through the wide range of activities and lessons taught in this module. The online classes, readings all coming together in the practical work involved in the badges highlighted the importance and benefits of social media, the tools involved and the subject of social computing as a whole. From communication, to management, to presentation of information and so on, the activities I completed in the making of this module were extremely helpful in showing me how to efficiently use the skills that I know already and taught me new ones along the way. Learning new skills and new information on the benefits of social media and computing has shed light on the impact of these topics in our everyday lives and how they can be put to good use in the future. I plan on reviewing the learning that I acquired in this module through talking about specific issues and examples where the topics covered are useful for people, companies, students and all people now and in the years to come. 

I began looking at different areas and situations where the lessons and activities would be most relevant and best show what I learned, why it was important and how it can be applied in the future. Many of the topics we covered can be linked back to the workplace and how they are run using social media/computing. What we learned in relation to this was how effective communication in any work environment is essential, how managing information using social media tools can be helpful and improve efficiency, and how the use of any social computing activities ensures a smooth working environment. The use of social media directly for employees in any workplace encourages social interaction and comradery, which is always important. 

A journal article that I analysed linked to the topic highlighted the importance of these lessons. They explained how the understanding of how “they enable and constrain the communicative activities through which work is accomplished” because it is these activities that define organisations. They put a strong focus on internal communication between employees via social media. They also admit that social media has a huge impact on the way organisations can connect with external stakeholders, customers and explore issues linked to branding or marketing. Like every experiment, there were positive and negative results in the findings, but, this article proved that what we learned is applied in day-to-day life and, as stated in the article as, is spreading rapidly in these areas. Effective communication and use of social media/computing tools is extremely important in a workplace and I hope that as time goes on, the negative aspects around this can decrease. In the future, no matter what job/career I may pursue, I know I will be confident applying my learning, relating to managing information, digital, audio communication, communicating via social media etc. due to knowing its benefits and how it can positively affect my workplace and fellow employees. 

A significant amount of the content we covered and discussed related back to people’s personal communication. Communicating or sharing information with others, using social media tools, was incorporated into almost all of our badges. This included formal information such as what we shared on out ‘LinkedIn’ profiles and also could be informal like sharing our interests on ‘Pinterest’ or opinions on our ‘WordPress’ blogs. We developed an understanding on how to communicate, different ways and also shed light on the benefits of these platforms. 

Research gathered on the ways that young people in care can benefit from social media reminded me of the work we did and showed how it can apply to a specific group in society now and develop further in the future. This research explained how social media tools helps young people of all ages, who are in care, to “maintain healthy and appropriate… family relationships and friendships, make new connections and ease transitions” into adulthood. Having strong networks online helped them to develop a ‘social capital’ and give them the confidence to share their own emotional turmoil but also share their wisdom on how to deal with it for others. Specific platforms aid this communication and provide a huge support system, boosting young people’s self-esteem and drawing them away from depression and isolation. I found this extremely heart-warming and reassuring that the continuation of these networks can allow anyone, not just teenagers in care, to develop socially online, build networks, share information and keep up with trends in years to come. 

After looking at specific situations linked to subjects we learned, I looked at the topics covered as a whole and how they apply to my life as a student. Enhancing and promoting the spreading of information online, how to do so appropriately etc. allows us to share, gather, create and manage what we find/learn online and use this to our benefit. The awareness we developed while learning about privacy policies and discussing what we think is necessary as a user widened our knowledge on what we are entitled to and what to look out for on social media platforms. Tools such as ‘Pocket’, ‘Infographics’, ‘WordPress’, are ones that can be applied in professional, practical, informative instances relating to work in the future but, can also be used in a fun and social sense. 

The specific examples I analysed and a general overlook on my student life proved that what we learned is practical and useful in everyday life, no matter what our situation or occupation. Having attained many new skills while completing the activities involved in doing our badges, I can confidently say it will make my college life a lot easier, encourage me to make more use of the tools available to me and make me more socially aware online. It was through the learning acquired completing the topics covered that has highlighted the impact and importance of social media, computing and all things connected with it, in each of our lives now and in the future. 

References:

Kulkarni, C. (2019). 11 Ways Social Media Will Evolve in the Future. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/293454

Leonardi, P., Huysman, M., & Steinfield, C. (2013). Enterprise Social Media: Definition, History, and Prospects for the Study of Social Technologies in Organizations. Journal Of Computer-Mediated Communication, 19(1), 1-19. doi: 10.1111/jcc4.12029

Parameswaran, M., & Whinston, A. (2019). Research Issues in Social computing. Retrieved from https://aisel.aisnet.org/jais/vol8/iss6/22

Social Media in Higher Education: Strategies, Benefits, and Challenges. (2019). Retrieved from https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-in-higher-education/

The benefits of social media for young people in care. (2019). Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2018-02-benefits-social-media-young-people.html