Digitally Inspired Thinking: Can Social Media Lead to Deep Learning in Higher Education?

ABSTRACT

In this study, students from a variety of disciplines, who were enrolled in six courses that incorporate the use of social media, were surveyed to evaluate their perception of how the integration of social-media tools supports deep approaches to learning. Students reported that social media supports deep learning both directly and indirectly, makes learning easier, promotes long-term retention of content, and fosters a more engaging and enjoyable learning environment. These findings suggest that integration of social media into college courses can support deep approaches to learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Deep learning
• social media

Financial disclosure/conflict of interest statement

The authors do not have any financial backing from any organization and have no known or suspected conflicts of interest in regards to the subject matter in this manuscript.