I endorse Nirmala's very comprehensive response. But, I would add that while the digital natives need to build their social networks as they are a lot younger than us teachers, who have already have a network of friends and associates, I find the technology has drawn them into themselves, eroding some of their social skills. 

many thanks,

Debra

I think as with every aspect of technology, social apps can help learning, but they have risks too. Continuous research is necessary in order to identify:

• benefits,
• risks,
• effective ways of use.

Social apps definetely disseminate and communicate information and data, therefore, they can assist learning. However, it will not happen automatically. 

From my experience there will be a tremendous change in student-teacher communication. Teacher will have an opportunity to expand the classroom outside face to face meeting. Students will have the opportunity to enrich their learning resources through sharing and communicating. They will also have better opportunity to identify their learning performance continuously...and will instantly improve it whenever is possible...