Social media: Implications on the personal learning of high school seniors

The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which high school seniors make use of online social network sites (SNSs) for their personal learning. The ever increasing online digital tools that are available to students allow them to increase their communication with peers, teachers, and other individuals beyond the physical classroom walls. These new methods of digital communication, like social networking sites, are affecting how and where learning occurs.;Social media sites provide an online space for communities of practice to evolve and personal learning environments to flourish. Like-minded individuals can create a digital learning environment to carry conversations that begin in the classroom further. Where are these digital connections happening? What social media tools are students using? How are teachers allowing students to use social media tools?;The analysis of the data collected through online surveys and focus group interviews of high school seniors found one social media tool that was preferred by both students and teachers. This online resource was easy to use and allowed quick access of information. This visual social media also allowed students the flexibility to educate or entertain themselves.;Another conclusion drawn from this research shows that social media that is used in the educational environment needs to be vetted not only by teachers, but by students as well. The digital resources that teachers want to use and the ones students want to use do not always align. Students clearly want social media that coincides with how they learn.