Social media for lifelong learning

Abstract

Learning is ongoing, and can be considered a social activity. In this paper we aim to provide a review of the use of social media for lifelong learning. We start by defining lifelong learning, drawing upon principles of continuous professional development and adult learning theory. We searched Embase and MEDLINE from 2004-2014 for search terms relevant to social media and learning. We describe examples of lifelong learners using social media in medical education and healthcare that have been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. Medical or other health professions students may have qualities consistent with being a lifelong learner, yet once individuals move beyond structured learning environments they will need to recognize their own gaps in knowledge and skills over time and be motivated to fill them, thereby incorporating lifelong learning principles into their day-to-day practice. Engagement with social media can parallel engagement in the learning process over time, to the extent that online social networking fosters feedback and collaboration. The use of social media and online networking platforms are a key way to continuously learn in today's information sharing society. Additional research is needed, particularly rigorous studies that extend beyond learner satisfaction to knowledge, behaviour change, and outcomes.

Measuring the extent and nature of use of Social Networking Sites in Medical Education (SNSME) by university students: Results of a multi-center study

“…A plethora of research has convincingly shown that use of social media supplements delivery and understanding of medical education [14], lifelong learning [15], and medical professionalism [16]. The use of social media in medical education for active learning demands incorporation of scientifically designed program that should address ethics [17], facilitate group learning [18] especially at the workplace-based education [19] in an interprofessional environment [20,21].…”

Beyond mandatory use: Probing the affordances of social media for formal learning in the voluntary context

“…However, recent work has suggested that students also voluntarily use various generalized social media platforms for their educational purposes. In particular, students select and employ social media to communicate with peer students on course‐related information (Manca & Ranierit, 2016), search for learning resources to supplement course materials (Kind & Evans, ), and seeking help from expert online users (Greenhow & Lewin, ). With easy access to knowledge shared by other users and convenient interactions with other users, the phenomenon of voluntarily using social media for formal learning appears to be a significant part of the educational landscape (Manca & Ranierit, 2016), yet research in this area is still limited.…”

Barriers and benefits of using social networking sites versus face-to-face meetings for sharing knowledge in professional societies

“…Even though several empirical studies have been carried out on individuals' use of SNS (such as Chen (2013), Chang and Zhu (2011), Kim et al (2010), and Ridings and Gefen (2004)), very limited research has been conducted oin its use by non-profit organizations, such as professional societies. Knowledge sharing is a core process for professional societies' development (Gerken Golay et al, 2014;Kagan et al, 2015;Kind and Evans, 2015), and the use of SNS and social media is becoming very popular in these organizations (Thompson et al, 2008;Rutter and Duncan, 2011). Thus, the results of this study add value to researchers and practitioners using social networking sites in professional societies and group collaboration.…”

“…Thompson et al (2008) and Rutter and Duncan (2011) have acknowledged the popularity and potential of SNS and social media use by professional networks. Through illustrating examples among medical and healthcare profession, Kind and Evans (2015), indicated that learning "can be considered a social activity", and the use of online social networking and social media fosters learning through knowledge sharing, feedback, and collaboration.…”