Doctoral Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Social Media in Higher Education
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-9-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
12-9-2018 12:00 PM
Description
Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of social media and other Web 2.0 technologies in higher education. Social media is being used to promote active learning and enhance teaching strategies. While there are a number of studies focusing on the ways in which social media can be used in education, there is little research regarding students’ perceptions and experiences with social media in didactic and clinical education. Furthermore, a majority of the research available is conducted using undergraduate students and courses. This research aims to determine doctoral students’ experience with social media and their perspectives regarding its potential in formal didactic and clinical education.
Methods: Doctoral students in both physical and occupational therapy programs were surveyed regarding their social media preferences, frequency of usage, willingness to use social media for educational purposes, and perceptions of a number of social media platforms. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
Results: Findings showed a willingness to use social media in educational settings especially social media platforms already familiar to students. Additionally, students felt that while the use of social media would enhance their overall learning experience, a concern was shown for the distraction and intrusion of privacy that social media usage may pose.
Conclusion: Implications as well as needs for future research are discussed in relation to this study and its findings.
Recommended Citation
Luyegu, E., Brussee, A., Montgomery, L., & Varner, C. (2018), Doctoral Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Social Media in Higher Education, Presentation, Fourth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/fourth/events/7
Doctoral Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Social Media in Higher Education
Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of social media and other Web 2.0 technologies in higher education. Social media is being used to promote active learning and enhance teaching strategies. While there are a number of studies focusing on the ways in which social media can be used in education, there is little research regarding students’ perceptions and experiences with social media in didactic and clinical education. Furthermore, a majority of the research available is conducted using undergraduate students and courses. This research aims to determine doctoral students’ experience with social media and their perspectives regarding its potential in formal didactic and clinical education.
Methods: Doctoral students in both physical and occupational therapy programs were surveyed regarding their social media preferences, frequency of usage, willingness to use social media for educational purposes, and perceptions of a number of social media platforms. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected.
Results: Findings showed a willingness to use social media in educational settings especially social media platforms already familiar to students. Additionally, students felt that while the use of social media would enhance their overall learning experience, a concern was shown for the distraction and intrusion of privacy that social media usage may pose.
Conclusion: Implications as well as needs for future research are discussed in relation to this study and its findings.