Social Media and Sustainable Learning: Exploring Students’ Perspective

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The revolution that is brought by the information and communication technology has made information beyond the borders which is easily accessible digitally around the world. This innovation has also affected educational services, where course contents and materials can be transferred rapidly and accurately through the mode of e-learning and social media is one of the important tools in this digital phenomenon. The aim of the current study is to investigate the usage of social media in academic processes and educational learning. Three research questions and two hypotheses, based on objectives to explore students’ perspective on social media platforms for learning were answered empirically.

Methodology: The study has been administered through a survey questionnaire from the sample of 369 students of Karakorum International University, Gilgit. After data collection, the responses were then entered and analyzed i.e. Frequencies, Percentages, and Correlation via SPSS V.20.

Findings: The results of this study showed that students use social media platforms more for educational and information purposes than entertainment, socializing and leisure. Students see social media platforms as a secondary resource for learning and they use it for doing home assignments, accessing course related material. The correlation analyses were found statistically significant that supports the hypothesis made.

Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that students are frequent users of social media platforms and had constructive opinions regarding social media usage in education. They feel that social media platforms are great source of learning and helpful in educational processes.