Factors affecting the use of social media in the learning process

Abstract

Background: The study was established based on the inherent challenges of traditional learning systems, which require to be addressed. Arguably, social media can address many challenges of traditional learning if used properly. On this basis, it was important for the study to determine factors associated with the adoption of social media in learning.Objectives: This study determines the relationship between the ease of use and the usefulness of social media to its adoption. Moreover, it shows whether the perceived security of social media relates to its adoption in the learning environment of higher learning students. The objectives were met through testing hypotheses.Methods: Overall, the study was objective and followed the positivism philosophical stance. It adopted the survey research design. Data were collected through the use of a closed-end questionnaire and was tested using descriptive statistics and the One-Way ANOVA model. The generalisation of the results of tested hypotheses is allowed to the population with characteristics similar to that of the study.Results: Social media offer a good platform for the learning process. Moreover, necessary efforts are required to enhance the perception of users on the usefulness of social media, and improve their awareness of security issues because they relate with the adoption of social media. Also, the complexity of social media relates with to adoption. An ease of use platform enhances the adoption.Conclusion: Social media offer a suitable platform for the extension of traditional classes. Their use would be more effective provided that users are aware of maintaining their safety, able to apply social media tools and able to share the content useful to their learning process. Moreover, the study recommends further studies in specific social media.

The Use of Social Media in Public Relations at Non-Governmental Organisations in South Africa

“…The research findings in this study indicate that because the social media landscape is continually changing through innovation, Internet users are increasing on a daily basis, and new users are more vulnerable to security concerns because they have less experience and low knowledge. This observation agrees with other studies which concluded that security was a concern, but it is important to educate users about important security issues to build confidence on these platforms (Lubua et al, 2017). Unforeseeable trends, businesses and NGOs will need a devoted social media department to succeed on these platforms.…”

“…On the contrary, regardless of the negative experience that users of social media may have experienced, a well-planned use brings positive benefits to social society and the NGOs (Lubua et al, 2017). The research findings in this study indicate that because the social media landscape is continually changing through innovation, Internet users are increasing on a daily basis, and new users are more vulnerable to security concerns because they have less experience and low knowledge.…”

“…Social media is a powerful tool which offers collaboration between users and is a social interaction channel for a range of individuals. Studies (Chawinga, 2017;Khan, 2017, Lumbua, Semlambo andPretorius, 2017) acknowledge an increase in social media as a powerful tool in human activities. A Botha, (2017) study confirms social media, Facebook and similar sites are becoming a communication tool used by businesses.…”

“…Seargeant and Tagg (2014) also note that "connecting, sharing, commenting and creating relationships act as building blocks of social media." Regarding electronic communication platforms, Lubua, Semlambo and Pretorius (2017) highlight that social media is a communication platform where online communities can be created by users. Here they would share information in various formats.…”

Reflexiones y Perspectivas sobre los Usos de las Redes Sociales en Educación. Un Estudio de Caso en Quito-Ecuador

“…En lo referente al uso de redes sociales, el 93% de los padres de familia cuentan con perfiles en redes sociales, este dato permite identificar que que cada vez más padres están inmersos en el manejo de estos entornos tecnológicos y que no es necesario que desarrollen un uso fluido, sino que al menos ya tienen presencia en estos medios virtuales, lo que de alguna forma ayuda para que los jóvenes puedan tener orientaciones con criterios por parte de los adultos. Esto tiene una alta relación con estudios en diversos contextos geográficos (Siibak, Forsman y Hernwall, 2012;Park, 2016;Kristianto,2017;Lubua, Semlambo, y Pretorius 2017) que confirma muchos de los efectos sobre la actitud de los niños y jóvenes hacia las redes sociales, a partir de la influencia de los padres, entre otros aspectos, como la interacción con los pares, la facilidad de uso, el nivel de acceso, la experiencia de usuario y la consciencia de riesgo.…”