Social Network as an Additional Learning Tool and Formation of Ecological Consciousness

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the research is to confirm the hypothesis about the possibility of effective use of social networks in ecology and geography studies. Methods. There are several most popular networks in Russia. Their capabilities can be used for educational purposes. They can play a special role in environmental awareness development. In the work, the two most popular social networks were used, where the participants of the pedagogical experiment took the course created by the authors. The experiment results were compared and analyzed. At the beginning of the pedagogical experiment, the level of the participants’ knowledge was evaluated with the help of questionnaires, at the end, testing was carried out. Results. By providing thematic lessons or special courses, it is possible to influence not only schoolchildren but also young people from 18 to 34 years old, who are more attentive to environmental problems. The results of the research showed that the social network “Instagram” has great potential for educational activities, as the involvement and interest of the participants were higher. Conclusions. The involvement in the educational process will be higher for those people who are interested in the problem raised in the course. The use of visual aids provides a more clear notion of the issues being studied; these teaching aids are more convenient to use in the social network “Instagram”.