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In class, tune out Facebook and tune in to learning.

Can overuse of social media sites affect your grades?

With more than 800 million active users, chances are you are a Facebook user. And like most users, you are always looking at the latest status updates, pictures from last weekend's party, or seeing whose relationship status has changed. With the ability to access your account on school PCs and smart phones, the most popular social media site is at your fingertips at all times.

But just because you can access your profile at all times doesn't mean you have to. Many students are staying connected even during classes, and that should be the last place you are using Facebook. Why?

First, even though your professors never formally told you to stay off such sites during class, it is rude and distracting to the professors and fellow students. Also, you may think they didn't notice you, but they probably did. Even though they did not directly discipline you, they will probably be less willing to help you when you approach them with questions about something you missed in class.

Second, by being disengaged from the class and distracted by Facebook, you are more apt to miss out on vital parts of the lecture.

Third, you are showing your professors that you are not interested in what they have to say, and do not even have the self-control to make it through an hour long class.

Remember, as a student you are in class to learn and be interactive with your instructors. You are also developing networks with your professors that could play a vital role should you continue your education at a university. So next time you're in class, tune out social media and tune in to learning.