Exploring Graduate Students Perceptions Of Using Social Media In Education Coursework

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Exploring Graduate Students' Perceptions of Using Social Media in Education Coursework

Author : Kimberly Holiday Udeh
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (112 download)

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Book Synopsis Exploring Graduate Students' Perceptions of Using Social Media in Education Coursework by : Kimberly Holiday Udeh

Download or read book Exploring Graduate Students' Perceptions of Using Social Media in Education Coursework written by Kimberly Holiday Udeh and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examined social media in graduate coursework and provides insight into how faculty and higher education administrators can strategically incorporate social media into graduate school coursework. Moreover, this study bridges an existing literature gap regarding graduate students' perceptions of social media use and its impact on their learning. Several research studies have linked the use of social media with improved academic performance; however, the role of social media as a pedagogical tool to support learning through academic engagement and collaboration in graduate education coursework needs further exploration. Millennials and post-millennials (ages 18-42) quickly embrace and adopt new technology, and most are either in graduate school or will be in the future. Higher education can use such tools, including social media, to connect more academically with their students, who are frequently on these platforms. Conducted over a one-month period, this cross-sectional study empirically examined the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences that graduate students hold about the pedagogical use of social media to support learning, academic engagement, and academic performance. An online quantitative survey collected data on 1,212 students enrolled in graduate courses in one university's School of Education. The survey results confirmed that social media was a useful pedagogical tool in graduate coursework to support academic performance and collaboration among students. While results partially supported that using social media in graduate coursework improved collaboration among students, it did not fully support improved collaboration between students and their professors. This study included a single discipline at a single institution; future research would benefit from a more robust study that included multiple disciplines or multiple institutions. Keywords: graduate education coursework; social media; pedagogical tool; academic performance; learning

Educational Use of Social Media

Author : Angel S. Marquez (Jr.)
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 86 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (957 download)

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Book Synopsis Educational Use of Social Media by : Angel S. Marquez (Jr.)

Download or read book Educational Use of Social Media written by Angel S. Marquez (Jr.) and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 86 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Use of Social Media Tools in the Classroom

Author : Shivochie L. Dinkins
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 136 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (14 download)

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Book Synopsis The Use of Social Media Tools in the Classroom by : Shivochie L. Dinkins

Download or read book The Use of Social Media Tools in the Classroom written by Shivochie L. Dinkins and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to explore the community college students’ perceptions on the use and effects of social media and social networking sites as well as any differences in perceptions based on students’ demographic characteristics. A community college in the state of Mississippi was chosen for this study. This community college is a comprehensive educational institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The population for this study was currently enrolled freshman and sophomore students at one of the multiple locations. The respondents in this study were gathered by using a convenience sampling of students enrolled in academic core courses and electives or career and technical programs of study during the spring 2018 semester. The instrument that used for data collection in this study was a modified version of the Social Media Updates Survey (Pew Research Center, 2016). This study was quantitative in design, and a descriptive research methodology was used to conduct the study. The results revealed that students 25 years and older had significantly different social media habits than the students in the other age groups. Female students used social media more often than male students. More females than males used social media to interact with family. The data revealed that students mostly used mobile devices/tables to access social media and social networking sites. More students from academic programs accessed social media using desktops and laptops. More students from career technical education accessed social media using mobile devices. The most preferred social media websites were Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and SnapChat. Of the 201 respondents 41.3% agreed to social networking sites help them academically in getting educational materials for assignments or projects in class and 48.8% agreed that social networking sites are an effective tool for e-learning. 45.8% disagree to social media sites having positively affected their GPA. When asked the question, Social media networking sites have been effective in enhancing my active learning skills, 41.3% disagreed.

Social Media

Author : Marlynn M. Griffin
Publisher : IAP
ISBN 13 : 1648026575
Total Pages : 353 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (48 download)

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Book Synopsis Social Media by : Marlynn M. Griffin

Download or read book Social Media written by Marlynn M. Griffin and published by IAP. This book was released on 2021-09-01 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Social media is a multi-faceted tool that has been used by educators and/or their students in ways both beneficial and detrimental. Despite the ubiquitous nature of this tool, there is much research still needed on the multitude of ways that social media impacts education. This book presents research on the influences of social media on education, broadly construed. Specifically, the research included in this book is categorized into four broad areas, examining the educational influence of social media on youth and college students, professional development in content areas, higher education learning, and social justice and activism. Chapter authors emphasize the opportunities of social media use in education and provide recommendations for how to address challenges that may arise with social media integration into the teaching and learning setting. These authors also advocate for use of social media to grow and enhance professional interaction among educators, moving beyond the social aspect of these platforms to advocate for educational and societal change. Individuals working in K-12 schools, teacher education, teacher professional development, and higher education, including pharmacy, nursing, dental and medical education, as well as those in other educational settings can use these findings to support and guide integration of social media into teaching and learning as well as their professional practice. Endorsements for Social Media: Influences on Education "Anyone attempting to understand these issues and the emerging, critical role of social media in education today should read the excellent edited book Social Media: Influences on Education. I’ve been monitoring educational media and technology research and practice for the past 40 years. In my view this book is an important contribution to a current perspective on social media and its impact from preschool to higher education and professional studies in general and social justice issues specifically." Richard E. Clark, Emeritus Professor University of Southern California "Social Media: Influences on Education is an essential book for those seeking to understand the relationship between education and social media or to conduct social media research in education. Griffin and Zinskie have collected a variety of essays showcasing approaches to researching social media from qualitative interviews with teachers, to meta-analyses of nascent literature, and research within the platforms themselves. Providing a well-rounded introduction to the field, this book provides a foundation for those interested in understanding and exploring the impact social media has had on elementary, secondary, and tertiary education." Naomi Barnes, Senior Lecturer Queensland University of Technology, Australia "Social Media: Influences on Education is a must-read for anyone interested in social media's impact on education and social justice. Grounded in the latest research, Griffin and Zinskie offer an informed, critical perspective on key issues – children’s social media use, cyber-harassment, misinformation, social justice through social media, professional networking, and more – as social media pervades every aspect of our lives. Educators, parents, students, activists and social media users everywhere, if you’re invested in education and social justice, this book is for you!" Christine Greenhow, Associate Professor Michigan State University

The Perceptions and Usage of Social Media in Higher Education

Author : Nancy B. Bardwell
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 89 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (11 download)

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Book Synopsis The Perceptions and Usage of Social Media in Higher Education by : Nancy B. Bardwell

Download or read book The Perceptions and Usage of Social Media in Higher Education written by Nancy B. Bardwell and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 89 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study examined students’ perceptions of Facebook, Twitter and blogs as tools for learning in a classroom environment. The population of the research was of 109 students from a 4-year college located in the southern region of the US. The results showed that most of the students were undecided in their perception of Facebook, Twitter and blogs as learning tools. The findings also showed that most of the participants were undecided in perception that Facebook, Twitter and blogs were viewed as sources of learning distraction. The findings equally indicated that significant number (about half of the population) of the participants disagreed that they felt intimidated using blogs to enhance learning while a third of the population was undecided. The results of the study did reveal that statistically significant differences existed among students in their perception of Twitter based on ethnicity. Hispanic and African American students perceived that using Twitter in the learning environment helped them to engage in collaborative learning. In addition, the findings showed African American respondents perceived that tweeting was also perceived as a distraction unlike other ethnic groups. The findings equally indicated that African American students perceived that Twitter was used as a tool to share life experiences unlike other ethnic groups represented in this study. The results equally revealed that female students actively participated in discussion forums more than their male counterparts did. The findings showed that Hispanic and African American students believed that using tweeting in the learning environment helped them to learn from one another. Whites and Native Americans did not share similar opinions. The results also revealed that African Americans and Hispanic Americans perceived that using Facebook during instruction enhanced collaboration among learners. In addition, the findings revealed that African American respondents perceived that tweets were helpful to them in sharing ideas as they complete assignments. However, White Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans did not have a similar view. The conclusion drawn from this study was that students enjoyed using social media tools for personal and entertainment purposes however; they did not enjoy using the tools for educational purposes. The general conclusion was that students were undecided in their perception of Facebook, Twitter and blogs as learning tools as well as perceived sources of distraction and intimidation.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Social Media for Classroom Instruction in Secondary Schools

Author : Beverlee Jackson
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (133 download)

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Book Synopsis Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Social Media for Classroom Instruction in Secondary Schools by : Beverlee Jackson

Download or read book Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Social Media for Classroom Instruction in Secondary Schools written by Beverlee Jackson and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much research has been done to explore social media on students and instructors and their perceptions of social media use in higher education, but little research has been done on teachers in secondary education and their perceptions of social media use in the classroom. Due to the lack of research, the purpose of the study was to examine teachers’ perceptions of social media use to improve students’ learning and students’ engagement and if their perceptions varied by selected demographic variables. The study was conducted in three northeast Mississippi secondary schools, a 6th and 7th grade school, 8th and 9th grade school, and 10th thru 12th grade school, during the spring semester of 2021. A survey instrument, Social Media Survey for Secondary Teachers, was used in the study. The study was completed by 53 participants (44 females and 9 males). The research design for this study was descriptive and causal comparative. The study found that teachers’ perceptions of social media use for classroom instruction to improve students’ learning and students’ engagement was neutral. Also, a statistically significant difference was found between teachers’ current position (e.g., special education teachers and other teachers) and the use of social media in the classroom to improve students’ learning. However, there was no statistically significant difference found between teachers’ perceptions of the use of social media in the classroom to improve students’ engagement and the demographics: gender, age, race, teacher certification, years taught, years at current school, teachers’ current position, number of subject(s) taught, years at current position, number of grade levels taught, and number of social media used. The findings of this study provide information for teachers, administrators, and school districts so they may determine if they will use social media. Further research is recommended using more school districts, which can provide more data for comparison and a better understanding of teachers’ perceptions of social media use in the classroom for students’ learning and students’ engagement. In addition, further research should be done on teachers’ current position and their perceptions of using social media to improve students’ learning.

Exploring Students' Perception on the Use of Social Networking in Higher Education

Author : Siew Hway Teo
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (968 download)

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Book Synopsis Exploring Students' Perception on the Use of Social Networking in Higher Education by : Siew Hway Teo

Download or read book Exploring Students' Perception on the Use of Social Networking in Higher Education written by Siew Hway Teo and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Talk Matters

Author : Eraldine S. Williams-Shakespeare
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 225 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (119 download)

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Book Synopsis Talk Matters by : Eraldine S. Williams-Shakespeare

Download or read book Talk Matters written by Eraldine S. Williams-Shakespeare and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study provides a rich quantitative and qualitative exploration of firsthand information on graduate students experience and perception of the design for a variety of learner-learner activities and their value in contributing to their learning in online courses. These perceptions provide support for improvements to the way opportunities for learner-learner interaction are developed and managed in the online environment.

Successful Graduate Students' Perceptions of Characteristics of Online Learning Environments

Author : Jian Su
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 136 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (986 download)

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Book Synopsis Successful Graduate Students' Perceptions of Characteristics of Online Learning Environments by : Jian Su

Download or read book Successful Graduate Students' Perceptions of Characteristics of Online Learning Environments written by Jian Su and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this study was to examine issues related to online graduate course effectiveness, and graduate student perceptions of characteristics of online learning environments and their effectiveness, and to explore the relationship between graduate student perceptions and student success in online courses. The research methodology employed was that of survey research, using the Graduate Student Online Learning Environment Survey instrument, targeted at graduate students enrolled in online courses at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. A total of 238 graduate students participated in this study. Findings revealed that approximately 87.4% of graduate students reported positive online learning experiences. Participants identified themselves as highly self-directed learners. Several critical individual characteristics including marital status, employment status, student status, future enrollment planning, enrollment in online programs, and number of online courses played a moderating role in online graduate students' online course learning. However, based on the data from this study, no relationships were found among levels of age, gender, race/ethnicity, and previous online course experience and graduate students' online course learning perceptions. Only a small portion (3.4%) of graduate students who responded to the survey reported online course non-completion in the fall semester of 2014.

The Use of Social Media in English Teaching and Learning

Author : Waheeb Shadid Albiladi
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 404 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (126 download)

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Book Synopsis The Use of Social Media in English Teaching and Learning by : Waheeb Shadid Albiladi

Download or read book The Use of Social Media in English Teaching and Learning written by Waheeb Shadid Albiladi and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The attention on using social media for educational purposes is increasing. Research shows that social media platforms are effective teaching and learning tools. The purpose of this study was to examine foreign language teachers' experiences in using social media in the teaching and learning of English. Research Design: A qualitative research method was used for the data collection and analysis. Data were collected through a survey and in-depth interviews with foreign language teachers. The participants included 35 English teachers (15 for the interview, 35 for the survey) representing different educational levels, including public and private schools and foreign language institutions. Data were analyzed using multiple cycles of coding and ongoing dialogic engagement. Findings: Analysis of the data revealed five different themes (the purposes of social media use, social media as a tool, perceived benefits, and the challenges of social media use) related to teachers' experiences of using social media in English teaching and learning. The participants used social media to support their classroom instruction and to teach English culture. They also perceived social media platforms as tools that can be used to assess student learning and language development and differentiate classroom instruction. In terms of benefits, the participants indicated that social media increase student motivation and engagement, enhance teaching practices, and help to build a learning community among students. The study also identified some challenges associated with social media integration, such as a lack of support and training, low self-efficacy among teachers, and misgivings about the use of social media in the classroom. Significance and Implications: The study provides a clear picture of the current use of social media for educational purposes. It bridges the gap between policymakers' expectations and teachers' current technology use, and reinforces the effort to institute more fruitful education reform.

The Use of Social Media and the Academic Performance of Students

Author : Amos Mathias
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
ISBN 13 : 3668896941
Total Pages : 101 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (688 download)

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Book Synopsis The Use of Social Media and the Academic Performance of Students by : Amos Mathias

Download or read book The Use of Social Media and the Academic Performance of Students written by Amos Mathias and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2019-03-12 with total page 101 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master's Thesis from the year 2019 in the subject Communications - Multimedia, Internet, New Technologies, grade: 72.0, Coventry University (School of Engineering, Environment and Computing), course: MSc. Management of Information Technology, language: English, abstract: The thesis aims at exploring the use of social media to improve students’ academic performance in Nigeria. The study is guided by the interpretivist theoretical perspective which follows a qualitative approach. The findings reveal that Taraba State University students have access to social media, but there is no official social media platform to build learning communities for the improvement of students’ academic performances in the university. In recent times, institutions of higher learning around the world are exploring various technologies that encourage active learning. One of such technologies is the use of social media in building learning communities. Learning communities have assisted students’ learning process by means of collaboration, sharing of ideas and information in their respective subject areas. This is in accordance with the benefits of mobile technologies and ubiquitous computing, internet of a thing and emerging technologies such as web 2.0 and social networking that has captivated the attention of students globally. It is this development that has triggered this research on use of social media to improve students’ academic performance in Nigeria. The study is guided by the interpretivist theoretical perspective which follows a qualitative approach. The case study method and triangulation sampling are employed for indept data collection. Interviews, online survey and observation are used as sources of primary data collection. Constant comparative analysis method is used to analyse the data. Social media has become an integral part of people’s life as this technology enables people to network with friends and associates, share photographs, generate contents, interact in games and real time conversations. The ever-increasing proliferation of mobile technologies has increased the use of social media, more especially in universities where the technology is transforming the way students communicate, collaborate, interact and learn.

Successes and Setbacks of Social Media

Author : Cheyenne Seymour
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 111969518X
Total Pages : 192 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (196 download)

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Book Synopsis Successes and Setbacks of Social Media by : Cheyenne Seymour

Download or read book Successes and Setbacks of Social Media written by Cheyenne Seymour and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-04-13 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the real-life impacts of social media use through a collection of fascinating academic perspectives Successes and Setbacks of Social Media: Impact on Academic Life rigorously explores the positive and negative impacts of social media as a communication tool. The book incorporates a diverse group of opinions and perspectives, all of which reflect on how social media might influence academic success, relationships, self-worth, and engagement with virtual networks. Accomplished academic and editor Dr. Cheyenne Seymour delivers an insightful examination of the different ways that social media can catapult people into success or failure. Four key areas are explored: academics, authenticity, relationships, and self-worth. Each area contains a synthesis of the latest research, supplemented with contributions that explore the negative and positive aspects of each area. The editor also includes perspectives that discuss emerging technologies, the impact they have on social media, and the impacts they might have in the future. The book offers readers a wide variety of benefits, including: An informative synthesis of peer-reviewed research about the impact of social media on individuals today Chapters that investigate both positive and negative aspects of social media across multiple demographics and usage scenarios Illuminating reports on experiences with several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat An analysis of potential future developments and emerging technologies in social media and the coming social and ethical concerns that might arise Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate level students across a variety of disciplines, but particularly in courses on social media, mass communication, relational communication, and strategic communication, Successes and Setbacks of Social Media also belongs on the bookshelves of anyone with even a passing interest in the real-world impacts of social media usage.

Social Media as a Space for Peace Education

Author : M. Ayaz Naseem
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030509494
Total Pages : 259 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (35 download)

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Book Synopsis Social Media as a Space for Peace Education by : M. Ayaz Naseem

Download or read book Social Media as a Space for Peace Education written by M. Ayaz Naseem and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-12-02 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the potential of social media as a space for teaching and bringing about sustainable peace. Using cutting-edge research, the editors and authors analyze the fundamental transformations taking place in the digital and interactive public sphere, most recently with the advent of the ‘post-truth’ age and the impact of this upon young people’s perceptions of ‘friend’ and ‘foe’. Peace initiatives at almost every level recognize the importance of education for sustainable peace: this volume examines the opportunities emerging from these societal transformations for both formal and informal education. This book will appeal to students and scholars of social media, peace education and the post-truth age.

Qualitative Methods in Research on Teaching

Author : Frederick Erickson
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 141 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (25 download)

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Book Synopsis Qualitative Methods in Research on Teaching by : Frederick Erickson

Download or read book Qualitative Methods in Research on Teaching written by Frederick Erickson and published by . This book was released on 1985 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Effects of Social Media Use on Community College Students

Author : Lakicha Jernigan
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 65 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (953 download)

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Book Synopsis The Effects of Social Media Use on Community College Students by : Lakicha Jernigan

Download or read book The Effects of Social Media Use on Community College Students written by Lakicha Jernigan and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 65 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Social media is reshaping the way college students communicate within their college community, and higher education has recently begun to embrace social media. The most frequently used social networking site is Facebook, and its usage has increased tremendously among college students, impacting the students both positively and negatively. The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of community college students regarding the use of social media and social networking sites and the effect of that use on learning, GPA, and graduation as well any differences in perceptions based on students demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, class status, race/ethnicity, and living situation). A 15-item survey was used to collect data from 87 students at one rural community college. The study found that most students use social media often, with their most common social media interaction partners being their close friends and family and the least being professors. In addition, 63.2% agreed that social networking sites were an effective tool for e-learning. Most students took a mixture of online and face-to-face classes, preferred Facebook and Instagram, and felt social networking sites had become either less as important or only as important as they were last year. Other results showed that 51% agreed that social networking sites help them get educational materials, 39% agreed that social networking sites have supported their progress to graduate, 37% agreed that social networking sites have positively affected learning, and 32% agreed that social networking sites affected their GPA. The study found that Facebook was preferred by students who were 25 and older, Caucasian, and/or living with their spouse. Students who lived with parents used Instagram more than Facebook, and students who lived with their children took more online courses.

Exploring Undergraduate Perceptions of Meaning Making and Social Media in Their Learning

Author : Erika E. Smith
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 259 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (956 download)

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Book Synopsis Exploring Undergraduate Perceptions of Meaning Making and Social Media in Their Learning by : Erika E. Smith

Download or read book Exploring Undergraduate Perceptions of Meaning Making and Social Media in Their Learning written by Erika E. Smith and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Those concerned with teaching and learning in higher education and the Net generation's perspectives on and uses of technology must address calls to move beyond the digital native debate (Bennett & Maton, 2010; Kennedy, Judd, Dalgarno, & Waycott, 2010) by asking students directly what they see as a meaningful part of their learning. This study aims to move beyond the digital native debate by developing research-informed understandings of the ways in which Net generation students may perceive technologies, specifically social media, to be a meaningful part of their undergraduate learning. The research questions guiding this study include: (RQ1) In what ways do undergraduate learners from different disciplines view social media to be a meaningful part of their university learning? (RQ2) What characteristics of social media do undergraduate learners see as contributing to their meaning making during their university learning? This study uses a social constructivist approach, thereby employing two main premises: learners actively construct their own knowledge, and social interactions are an important part of knowledge construction (Woolfolk, Winne, Perry, & Shapka, 2010, pp. 343-344). The research design is a mixed methods research (MMR) methodology, a methodological approach where a combination of methods is intentionally used to best address the research questions (Creswell, 2008; Creswell, 2015). This study's MMR design involved a first phase qualitative component of intensive, semi-structured interviews with 30 undergraduate students enrolled in full-time studies at the University of Alberta, a large, Canadian, research-intensive university - with ten students from each of the three disciplinary areas of 1) humanities and social sciences, 2) health sciences, and 3) natural sciences and engineering, analyzed using a generic qualitative approach (Merriam, 2009) incorporating constructivist grounded theory techniques (Charmaz, 2014). The second phase quantitative component was comprised of undergraduate students across disciplines with survey responses (N = 679) regarding their perspectives on and uses of social media technology in their university learning. This phase included two pilot surveys conducted before the final survey was distributed to ensure the reliability and validity of the instrument developed. Survey responses were collected electronically via SurveyMonkey, and analyzed via descriptive statistics. The findings in this study shed new insights into student perspectives and uses of social media, and the variety of ways in which undergraduates intentionally chose (or, chose not) to incorporate social media into their university learning in meaningful ways. The interviews provide a detailed picture of undergraduate perspectives regarding the specific ways in which social media can help and hinder learning, comprising what students consider as a double-edged sword. Student perspectives and descriptions formed key recurring themes, which emerged into several core characteristics of social media, as well as core categories of meaning making in undergraduate university learning. Within the qualitative interviews and the open-ended survey results, there is an overarching theme of social media as a double-edged sword that both informs and distracts, having the potential to both help and hinder learning. Together, the qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that several contextual relationships exist, including an important relationship between the particular ways of meaning making identified and the specific social media technologies undergraduates use for their university learning. For those concerned with social media in higher education, these results show how factors such as age and digital native claims should not be seen as primary, deterministic elements of technology use. Rather than taking an approach founded upon technological determinism, the idea of a generational zeitgeist should be considered, where learning context and social media affordances become key.

Social Media in Higher Education

Author : Monica Patrut
Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 : 1466629711
Total Pages : 475 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (666 download)

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Book Synopsis Social Media in Higher Education by : Monica Patrut

Download or read book Social Media in Higher Education written by Monica Patrut and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2013-01-01 with total page 475 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book provides research on the pedagogical challenges faced in recent years to improve the understanding of social media in the educational systems"--Provided by publisher.