Abstract:

Social media is seen by some as a new media for enhancing the teaching and learning environment. Its richness in tools can help enhance interaction, discussion and sharing of learning resources. This study investigates differences and similarities between King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students’ and instructors’ perceptions of social media as a teaching and learning tool. Data were collected using a specially designed survey during the academic year 2013/2014. The sample size was 2605 students and 507 instructors of different genders and ages. The results indicate that a majority of students and a subset of instructors surveyed are using social media tools in their teaching and learning and a majority of both groups have the desire to integrate social media as a tool in teaching and learning at university. Survey outcomes signify prevailing interest and positive potential in adoption of social media into the teaching and learning environment. The findings of the study include identification of dominant group and common perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of social media use in teaching and learning. These findings help discern possible issues relating to using social media as a teaching and learning tool.

Keywords:

Social media, teaching and learning, student perception, instructor perception, perception differences, higher education.