Social networks as a means of organizing education in a higher educational institution[Социальные Сети Как Средство Коммуникации В Образовательной Среде Вуза]

Introduction. The increasing use of social networks by university students in the learning process poses a problem: does this have a positive or negative effect on the education? In the modern information society, social networks are becoming an effective means of managing the educational process. The aim of the paper is to examine the degree of using social networks in the educational process, show the students’ attitude to social networks and their use in the educational process as exemplified by the students of the Ural State Mining University and the Ural Institute of Management - a branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (technical and humanitarian universities). Methods. Using sociological research methods, based on analyzing the results of a mass survey of the students, the degree of social networks influence on the educational process is investigated. Scientific novelty of the study. The materials and results of the sociological study reveal the role and extent of using social networks in the educational process. Results. Sociological research has shown that most of the students use social networks extensively and appreciate their influence on their studies. Conclusions. Using network technologies in the educational process helps to optimize the management of information processes in the university. Using social networks for educational purposes makes the process of teaching students more attractive and effective. Using social networks for educational purposes will only expand in the future.