SOCIAL NETWORKS AS A DIGITAL TOOL OF TEACHER'S PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY

The use of social networks in conditions of quarantine restrictions has become widespread in the educational environment. Social networks are both a platform for learning and professional development, as well as a powerful tool for influencing young people, which highlights the need for the perception of social networks as a digital tool for professional activity of modern teachers. Article’s purpose: to substantiate the feasibility of adopting social networks as a digital tool for professional activities of teachers. Methodology: To achieve this goal, a number of theoretical methods were used, namely: generalization and systematization of scientific and pedagogical sources to substantiate the relevance of the research problem; content analysis of Internet sources to study the practical state of the problem of perception of social networks as a digital tool for professional activities of teachers; terminological analysis to clarify key definitions of the study. Scientific novelty: The expediency of perception of social networks as a digital tool of professional activity of a teacher is substantiated. It is shown that social networks enable: formation of a single information space; creation of high-quality, open and accessible portals of educational resources; combining human resources of teaching potential, professional development of teachers, acquaintance with new methods, motivation for creativity and professional development; organization of a system of constant consulting and information support for all participants in the educational process; formation of a new, information and digital culture of thinking of participants in the educational process. Conclusions: Social networks have sufficient potential to support the professional activities of teachers, and therefore should be actively used in educational activities and mastered as a digital tool for teachers in their professional training. Investigations on the development of methods of using social networks by teachers of various subjects in terms of formal and non-formal education are considered promising