Digitalization of Geography Education Effective Use of Social Media Platforms Instagram Example

Abstract

Abstract
The impact of digital technologies on education has significantly increased, with the integration of social media platforms reshaping teaching methods and student interactions. Beyond facilitating rapid information sharing and interactive learning processes, social media tools have redefined engagement and participation in educational contexts. Understanding the role of social media in geography education is crucial for evaluating the opportunities and challenges posed by digitalization in this field.

This study aims to examine the effects of social media tools on students' learning processes, perceptions, and engagement in geography education. Adopting a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews focusing on themes such as social media experiences, impacts on learning, participation and interaction levels, emotional and cognitive responses, advantages, and challenges. Participants' evaluations provided comprehensive insights into the role and potential implications of social media in educational contexts.

A review of the literature revealed a limited focus on social media usage within geography education, with most applications confined to private courses and commercial activities. This study seeks to address this gap by presenting innovative models and practices for integrating social media into digital geography education. Additionally, it offers new perspectives on the synergy between digital educational materials and social media platforms.

The findings indicate that while social media platforms offer significant opportunities in geography education, they also pose challenges, such as distraction and misinformation. Participants emphasized the importance of controlled and expert-guided usage of social media in teaching processes.

The strategic and conscious use of social media platforms in geography education has the potential to enhance students' academic performance. The study highlights the need for educators to develop strategies to optimize social media use while minimizing its potential drawbacks. These findings contribute to understanding the evolving role of social media in digitalized education and aim to guide future research and applications.

Keywords: Geography education, Social media, Digital transformation