Arguments against using social media

There are some justified arguments against social media in teaching and learning, too. For one, access to technology is still a concern. As Fiebig says, "Most people have computers and smart phones, but you can't count on every student being able to afford one." (Blankenship)

Also, the teacher often has a difficult time controlling the message. (Walaski) Unless you are signed up as a moderator, and unless your platform has considerate moderator controls, using social media requires a leap of faith that your learners will stay on topic and be polite.

Another concern often mentioned is the blurring of lines between professional and personal communications. Paul Menard says, "I'm pretty adamantly against using social media in my classes. I find that there's enough confusion between the personal and the professional in a classroom as it is.” (Blankenship)

Blankenship argues that a lack of personal contact, like eye contact in a skype conversation, can make the experience less fulfilling than sharing an actual space with them as you discuss something.