Abstract:

Blended learning (BL) combines face-to-face instruction with computer-mediated instruction, and have several advantages over classical classroom education or over distance learning. Graham & al. (2003) found that “overwhelmingly people chose BL for three reasons: (1) improved pedagogy, (2) increased access/flexibility, and (3) increased cost effectiveness.” (Graham , 2004).
The use of different social media in teaching is the object of great interest at present, and there are numerous publications on effects and results of its various uses. Although some of the results still may be inconclusive, there are already several reports of how use of social media improves the learning outcome.
In this paper we review the advantages of blended learning, and discuss how they may be strengthened by the use of social media applications in teaching courses. Several types of social media, their use in the teaching situation and their effects on the learning results are considered.
By using state of the art web 2.0 based technology in blended learning, achievement of the learning goals may be drastically improved. Even more important is the potential for enabling innovative learning environments with greater emphasis on students’ collaborative learning, and teachers in a more mentoring and advisory role. Both the students collaborating in producing the learning material and the effects of community and peer reviews and interaction facilitated by social media use in a course are important factors for change in this direction.
The authors attempt to identify which pedagogical structures are suitable for the successful use of social media, and discuss why social media are better suited as computer-mediation tools for blended learning than many other technologies.
Recommendations/ best practices for use of specific social media to strengthen different factors of blended learning are given.

Keywords:

Social media, Blended learning, Collaborative learning, Innovative pedagogy.