Abstract:

The Net Generation relies heavily on ICTs for interactions with others and could expect that technology will be an integral part of their education [1]. However, few studies investigated the educational use of social networking sites (SNS) such as Twitter and Facebook [2]. They offer new ways to communicate and spread information. Higher education staff have an opportunity to help students use SNS and it has been posited that college and university students will soon demand the use of Web 2.0 technologies in their communications with academic staff ([3]; [4]). Consequently, more research should be conducted to investigate how Web 2.0 technologies can be utilized as teaching tools [5]. In the past, SNS were considered useful for students who needs to communicate with peers about course content, thus increasing collaboration between students, resource sharing, and active and informal learning ([4]; [6]). The aim of this study is to gain insights of the use of social networks for education purposes by conducting a comprehensive review of the extant literature on the topic.

References:
[1] J. Prescott, M. Stodart, G. Becket, and S. Wilson, “The experience of using Facebook as an educational tool”, Health and Social Care Education, pp.1-5, 2013.
[2] A. Vrocharidou, and I. Efthymiou, “Computer mediated communication for social and academic purposes: profiles of use and university students’ gratifications”, Computers and Education, Vol. 58 Issue 1, pp. 609-616, 2012.
[3] R. Junco, “The relationship between frequency of Facebook use, participation in Facebook activities, and student engagement”, Computers and Education, Vol. 58 Issue 1, pp.162-171, 2012.
[4] S.G. Mazman, and Y.K. Usluel, “Modeling educational usage of Facebook”, Computers and Education, Vol. 55 Issue 2, pp. 444-453, 2010.
[5] A. Hicks, and A. Graber, “Shifting paradigms: teaching, learning and Web 2.0”, Reference Services Review, Vol. 38 Issue 4, pp. 621-633, 2010.
[6] E. Kassens-Noor, “Twitter as a teaching practice to enhance active and informal learning in higher education: the case of sustainable tweets”, Active Learning in Higher Education, Vol. 13 Issue 1, pp. 9-21, 2012.

Keywords:

Social networks, education, student, review.