International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning (Jan 2012)

Investigating instructional strategies for using social media in formal and informal learning

  • Baiyun Chen,
  • Thomas Bryer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i1.1027
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1

Abstract

Read online

Despite the high popularity of personal use of online social media, a low percentage of students and instructors use them for educational purposes. This qualitative study explores the use of social media among faculty in the discipline of public administration in the United States. Eight instructors participated in telephone interviews about their experiences and perceptions of using social media for teaching and learning. Instructors perceive that informal learning using social media could be facilitated by instructors and integrated into formal learning environments for enriched discussions, increased engagement, and broad connections. This study provides qualitative empirical support for social learning theories while offering strategies for and examples of how social media can be used to connect formal and informal learning.

Keywords