Social Media: An Effective Tool of Collaborative Learning in Distance Learning: Faculty and Scholars’ Perspective

Abstract

Social media has become a useful tool for students’ learning. The current study was conducted to find out the effectiveness of social media for collaborative learning in distance learning. It was a quantitative study in nature with a survey method used for data collection. Faculty and scholars’ perspectives were explored regarding the topic. The population comprised faculty and M. Phil scholars of a distance education university in Pakistan. For the sample of the study, 20 faculty members from the field of education and 60 students pursuing their MPhil degrees were selected through a convenient sampling technique. Keeping in view the previous literature and experts' perspectives two self-developed questionnaires regarding the role of social media for its effectiveness in collaborative learning in distance education were used for both faculty and the students. Frequency means percentages and standard deviations were calculated to analyze the data using SPSS 20. The findings of the study showed that social media represents an innovative means for distance learning. Its tools can assist teachers in developing online activities to achieve learning goals. The interactive affordances of social media may increase students’ motivation. It is recommended that guidance be provided to students on effectively applying social media to enhance participation and readiness for learning.