Social media boundaries and intersections

I read a thoughtful journal article during this second course week called "Social Media and Education: Reconceptualizing the boundaries of formal and informal learning" by Greenhow and Lewin. Referenced from 2016, this article explores how formal and informal learning opportunites can be made possible further through using social media.

This quote from the article covered some main points: "Similarly, it has been suggested that learners are increasingly bringing informal practices (including digital tools such as social media) into formal educational contexts (Trinder et al. 2008). To illustrate these blurring boundaries, we consider two converging trends: (1) the growth of digital cultures outside educational institutions, and (2) the lack of digital practices in educational institutions."

Another interesting area the reading brought up involved two case studies about different theories of learning-- Connectivism and Social Constructivism. These case studies consider that there is future studying to do on how social media can be involved with both formal educational settings and informal learning situations. Online learning through social media also benefits many students. An example I have noticed so far in grad school that was stated was providing language and cultural interaction for international students. 

Some tensions and challenges within social media definitely arise for educational scenarios. One major example instructors will have to keep in mind is informal learning practices are more commonly coming into the classroom or online courses. Reading through the journal article has reminded me how boundaries are continuing to thin between digital communities. Trying to be aware of this fact inside and out of educational settings is certainly sticking with me as I interact in various online groups, especially in social media situations.