Using social networks to enhance teaching and learning experiences in higher learning institutions

Abstract

The paper first explores the factors that affect the use of social networks to enhance teaching and learning experiences among students and lecturers, using structured questionnaires prepared based on the Push–Pull–Mooring framework. A total of 455 students and lecturers from higher learning institutions in Malaysia participated in this study. Multiple linear regressions revealed five factors: E-Learning Perception, Academic Reasons, Ease of Use, Convenience and Social Networking to be positively associated with Teaching and Learning Benefits obtained from the use of social networks. These factors were then used to develop Book2U – a social e-learning tool which integrates the popular features of social networks. User testing revealed Book2U was well received by the majority of the respondents. It is believed that teaching and learning activities in educational sectors can be improved by using social network and e-learning-integrated tools, such as Book2U.

Keywords:

• social networks
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• teaching
• learning
• higher learning institutions

Acknowledgement

The author wishes to thank University of Malaya for supporting this research (FL004-2012).