Social Networks usage in online study

In the article possibilities of using the Twitter and Vkontakte in the educational process of higher school is examined. The factors of positive and negative effects of social networks on studying the students of higher educational institutions. As the negative impacts of social networks on their users called distraction from real cases, the ability to stress and weariness, superficial perception of information, the risk of addiction and attention deficit disorder. To the positive impacts attributed the possibility of quick consultation, impulse for self-development, promotion of self-fulfillment, improvement of skills of clearly and laconically express the idea, forming of individual identity. The effectiveness of social networks usage in education is achieved through the engaging to the work in group on educational project, providing the individual and group consultations, informal communication of students with teachers, professional discussion of controversial issues, pedagogical support of students research activities.