The utilization of social networking sites, their perceived benefits and their potential for improving the study habits of nursing students in five countries

Abstract

Background: The abundance of easy and accessible information and the rapid development of social networking sites (SNSs) have proven that the world is small and within reach. The great implication of this interconnectivity is attributable to the change in the learning and sharing environment, which for the most part is something that classrooms are lacking. Considering the potential implications of SNSs in nursing education reveals the benefits of SNSs in allowing students to communicate and interact with a wider audience and beyond the classroom. The aim of this study is to identify the extent of SNS utilization, the perceived benefits of SNSs and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in five countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines and Turkey). Methods: This study is a quantitative cross-sectional study that determined the relationship between the utilization of SNSs, the perceived benefits of SNSs, and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in the five participating countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines, and Turkey). This paper is based on carefully analysing the survey responses of a sample of 1137 students from an online hosting site. The online instrument focuses on the extent of the utilization and benefits of SNSs according to their accessibility, usability, efficiency and reliability. Results: Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) our findings, reveal a significant positive correlation between the extent of a possible improvement in study habits and the extent of SNS utilization in terms of the four domains, namely, accessibility (r = 0.246), usability (r = 0.377), reliability (r = 0.287) and efficiency (r = 0.387). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between students' study habits and the extent of SNS utilization, meaning that the more students devote themselves to their study habits, the higher the level of SNS utilization. The use of SNSs by nursing students has positive and negative implications, and there is greater potential for further improving approaches to nursing education through the adaptation of curricula based on the proper utilization of SNSs.

Implementing social media into nursing education

“…Nursing students often reported using social media to learn more about academic topics, share scholarly thoughts and opinions, familiarize themselves with upcoming topics, skill improvement, and as a medium to conduct collaborative assignments and projects. [22] Students also reported that refined clinical skills obtained from use of social media platforms were positively acknowledged by clinical educators. [22] Therefore, if these educational tools are accessible to students via social media there can be many positive clinical learning outcomes.…”

“…[22] Students also reported that refined clinical skills obtained from use of social media platforms were positively acknowledged by clinical educators. [22] Therefore, if these educational tools are accessible to students via social media there can be many positive clinical learning outcomes.…”

“…Accessibility is a critical factor in today's educational landscape, and social media platforms provide access to information for students in nearly any geographic location. [22] Grundz and Mai (2020) found that the vast majority of adult Canadians use social media by conducting a survey of 1500 Canadians over age 18, making the nation one of the most connected in the world. Social media can facilitate informal discussion to engage students outside of the classroom, allowing for a deeper understanding of a topic when the formal class occurs.…”

“…Furthermore, accessibility allows students to enhance their knowledge and skill while outside of the classroom. [22] Valdez et al (2020) found that Bachelor of Science in Nursing students who used social media believed it had educational benefits and demonstrated better study habits, when they studied the relationship between the use and perceived benefits of social media in improving study habits. The importance of integrating technological learning tools into nursing curriculums is even more vital in the COVID-19 pandemic, where many programs have switched to online based learning, while clinical placements can be limited.…”

“…[8] Nursing educators can mitigate misinformation by ensuring to provide platforms that contain up-to-date and timely data for students. [22] Guidance and a clear outline of what is acceptable throughout nursing education to support social media literacy can also prevent incivility. [26] These risks can be further mitigated by implementing safeguards into the structure of activities and assignments that use social media.…”