Social Media in Language Teaching and Learning

In the current era of globalization, where information and communication technologies by all its sophisticated has become an integral part of all aspects of human life is no exception session education. As we understand that information and communication technology includes two aspects, namely the information technology and communication technology. Information Technology is a technology used for data processing, including processing, obtain, compile, store, manipulate data in various ways to produce quality information, namely information that is relevant, accurate and timely, which is used for personal, business, and government and is a strategic information for decision-making, while communications technology are all matters relating to the use of tools to process and transfer data from one device to another allow the rapid exchange of information without hampered by the limits of space and time. Unlike earlier times are still utilizing the natural object around which is what it is. But now, the human race to integrate ICT in all aspects of life to build and cultivate knowledge-based society in order to compete in the global era. One is the use of the Internet as a medium of learning.

In addition, use of the Internet as a medium of learning the background by the limitations of conventional sources of information issue (Libraries) cannot meet the expectations of students to obtain proper information and useful as reference material in the classroom. The existence of the Internet is one of the ultimate solutions to this problem. Internet eliminates time and space boundaries that allow a student to communicate with experts in other places.

The Internet is a global network between computers to communicate from one location to other parts of the world (such as schools, universities, research institutions, museums, banks, businesses, individuals, radio or TV station). Internet serves as an aspect of communication, information providers and facilities for promotion. Internet, word that is familiar in the ears of everyone, especially the youth who always hung out through social networking sites.

My comment about this, I certainly agree that Internet in its function as a provider of information is very helpful in the learning process. Just by typing the principal subject matter in Search Eguine (search engines) like Google.com will display the tens to hundreds of literature on the subject matter. Students just need to click the link reading it will immediately appear readings or more information. So no exaggeration that many Internet users argued, "With the internet, the world seemed to be in the hands".

            There are so many applications supports in teaching and learning as follow:

1.      Edublogs

An edublogs is a blog created for educational purposes. Edublogs archive and support student and teacher learning by facilitating reflection, questioning by self and others, collaboration and by providing contexts for engaging in higher-order thinking. 

2.      Edmodo

Edmodo is an educational technology company offering communication, collboration and coaching tools to K-13 schools and teachers. The Edmodo network enables teachers to share content, distribute quizzes, assignments, and manage communication with student, colleagues, and parents.

3.      Moodle

Moodle (short for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is a software platform of electronic learning (e-learning), which is free and open source, also known as the System Management Course / Lecture (Course Management Courses), Learning Management System, or Virtual Learning environment (VLE).

4.      Google Form

Google Form called “Google Formulir” or form is a useful tool to help you plan an event, send surveys, giving students or others quizzes, or collecting information in an easy efficient way.

5.      Animoto