In an era where technology is constantly reshaping education, universities around the world are exploring innovative methods to connect with students. The University of South Africa (UNISA), known for its diverse and expansive distance learning system, is no stranger to utilizing digital tools to enhance the student experience. One tool that is gaining traction, particularly among younger students, is Snapchat.
While Snapchat has traditionally been seen as a social media platform for sharing fleeting photos and videos, it is evolving into a powerful tool for educators to connect with their students. This article explores how UNISA lecturers can leverage Snapchat to engage with students, foster a sense of community, and enhance the learning experience.
1. Building a Stronger Connection with Students
One of the primary challenges in distance learning is maintaining a sense of connection between lecturers and students. Traditional teaching methods such as lectures, textbooks, and emails can sometimes feel impersonal, especially in an online learning environment. Snapchat offers a unique opportunity to humanize the teaching process.
By using Snapchat, lecturers can create a more informal and approachable environment. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their teaching process, personal stories, or simply a short “hello” can make students feel more connected to their lecturers. It fosters an atmosphere where students can feel more comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns.
2. Real-Time Interaction and Immediate Feedback
Snapchat’s unique feature of real-time communication allows for instantaneous interaction. Unlike email, where responses may take time, Snapchat’s direct messaging and Story features enable students to get quick answers or feedback. Lecturers can use Snapchat to offer office hours, respond to student questions, or post timely reminders about assignments, deadlines, and class materials.
Additionally, the platform’s quick, visual nature can help break down complex concepts. For instance, a lecturer can post a short, 10-second video explaining a tricky concept, or use the drawing tool on Snapchat to highlight key elements of a diagram or equation.
3. Interactive Learning Activities
One of the most engaging features of Snapchat is its interactive filters and lenses. My UNISA lecturers can create fun and educational filters related to course content. For example, a lecturer teaching history could create a filter that displays historical facts or a lens that turns a student’s face into a historical figure, sparking interest in a topic in a way that is both entertaining and educational.
Moreover, lecturers can encourage students to interact with these filters, turning passive learning into an active experience. Students could submit Snapchats of themselves using the filter, sharing their thoughts, or engaging in discussions around course topics, making the learning process more interactive and collaborative.
4. Storytelling and Visual Learning
Education is more than just textbooks and written words—visual and narrative approaches to teaching can be particularly powerful. Snapchat’s Story feature allows for the creation of multimedia presentations that combine images, text, and video. Lecturers can use Stories to offer weekly summaries of class discussions, provide visual aids, or even deliver mini-lectures that break down larger topics into digestible chunks.
For instance, in a literature course, a lecturer could post a series of stories that walk students through key themes in a novel, using images, quotes, and video clips to highlight significant moments. This multimedia storytelling approach appeals to students who may struggle with traditional text-heavy learning materials, particularly visual learners.
5. Promoting Student Engagement and Participation
Snapchat is inherently interactive, and this makes it a great platform for promoting student engagement. Lecturers can create polls, quizzes, and interactive questions through Snapchat Stories, encouraging students to participate actively. These short, interactive sessions are an effective way to test student knowledge or solicit opinions on a topic.
In addition, lecturers can organize challenges or contests, asking students to submit creative Snaps related to their coursework, which can be featured in the lecturer’s Story. These types of participatory activities foster a sense of community, even in a digital learning environment.
6. Providing a Personalized Learning Experience
One of the benefits of Snapchat is the ability to offer more personalized communication with students. Unlike large lecture halls, where it’s easy for students to get lost in the crowd, Snapchat allows for one-on-one interactions in a more intimate and personal space. Lecturers can send private snaps to students who may need additional help or clarification on course material.
By using the platform to send personalized feedback on assignments or offering tips for improvement, lecturers can create a more tailored learning experience for each student. This level of attention can significantly enhance student satisfaction and engagement, particularly for distance learners who often feel disconnected.
if students have any questions about UNISA whether related to courses, registration, exams, or technical support they can reach out to the UNISA contact number for assistance. The helpline provides support on a wide range of topics, ensuring that students receive the help they need to navigate their academic journey successfully.