This OLC Institute post suggested three purposes and provided numerous examples of social media implementation and integration that may serve to "support learning in online courses" (2016.05.17, ¶3, ff.), namely:
1. Amplifying the physical and psychological engagement of learners (Engagement using social media);
2. Providing instruction to "enhance learning outcomes" (Instruction involving social media); and
3. Facilitating access to, and increasing availability of academic, career, and other "support services" (Student support using social media).
Reference
Online Learning Consortium [OLC] Institute for Professional Development. (2016.05.17). Why Should I Learn More about Social Media? [weblog post]. http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/learn-social-media/
"PLN (Personal Learning Networks) have grown in prominence and importance tremendously over the last few years and with good reason. They are a great way to extend your professional network beyond your physical environment and tap into a huge wealth of knowledge about your profession. This makes them one of the most effective autonomous means of developing your own teaching in a way that is most immediate and relevant to your ambitions."
In the flipped classroom, the students watch video lessons made by their teachers and then use class time to do more hands-on activities and work with their teacher on difficult topics.