An idea that I came across in my media education research is the idea of "virtual study groups."  I was perplexed by this idea.  Why would we ever need study groups outside of our class, then the more I thought about it, more benefits came to mind.  We can widen our perspective on topics by connecting to other parts of the world.  Not only are we expanding the student study groups, but we are also making them much more diverse.  With all of the different opinions on subjects, students will more likely question their own understanding to create new meanings.  In this way, students can grow and develop far more then ever before.  Also, virtual study groups propose a different kind of forum for discussion.  Many students are introverted and feel uncomfortable voicing their opinions.  Even with students that are more likely to speak in a study group, students are more likely to agree with the majority opinion, even if it is not their feelings on a subject.  The internet gives students more of an open space to voice their real opinions.  In the article, Study Suggests Benefits of Social Media in the Classroom, it is easy to see more positives of the virtual classroom.  Dr. Richard J. Light stresses the importance of social media. Social media platforms can enhance learning by engaging students.  "This group learning format appeals to younger, socially conscious learners and is built around the notion that 'many minds are better than one," Lights report states.  I personally have been using Edmoto as a social media platform and plan to implement it into my future TESOL classroom.  It will give all my students a means of interacting outside of the classroom with me and with other students.  I will have the chance to meet my students for a mere 45 minutes a day once I am a teacher which is not nearly enough time.  This gives students a means of interaction outside of the 45 minutes. 

Tomaszewski, J. (2012). Study suggests benefits of social media in the classroom . Education World . Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/study-suggests-social-media-has-place-in-classrooms.shtml