Whenever there are popular apps and platforms it seems like it is only a matter of time until we see it used in education.

Facebook groups have been used in adult education, even Facebook based learning management systems.

We have seen Twitter leveraged for education as well by both teachers in the classroom and at professional conferences.

YouTube has been a perennial favorite with educators in nearly every sector.

But what about the popular (and growing) platform Snapchat?

I don’t want to assume that everyone has heard of Snapchat. While some of you reading this article may scoff, there are actually many people who don’t really understand Snapchat or its point.

In short, Snapchat provides people a way to send & share videos, pictures, and messages with friends. These can only be shared with friends for a few seconds though because these messages will then “self destruct” (i.e. they can now longer be viewed).

It has proven to be a hit with youth and also with celebrities and it is growing in its use ever day, seen as more trendy and relevant than other apps like Twitter.

I have yet to see any practical use of Snapchat from an ed-tech perspective. I did come across this brief article outlining how teachers are taking to Snapchat because that is “where all their students are”, but there is still a lack of any relevant use-cases.

It’s hard to say if the app will ever have an impact in education. At first glance I struggle to think of where it could fit. The best I can think of is using it during live training events in some capacity. Perhaps a way to ask a question on seminar material. But that almost seems like using Snapchat for the sake of just using it.

What do you think? Can Snapchat have an impact in education or does it seem destined for entertainment purposes only?