To What Extent Do Lecturers and UG Students at the Salford University Prefer to Use Social Media for Learning - Assignment Example

Chapter Five: Discussion Introduction needed at each chapter and conclusion The case study what case study explain is “School Principals and Social Networking in Education: Practices, Policies, and Realities in 2010” sponsored by edweb.net, iESD, MCH strategic data and MMS education (Edweb). This study focused on the principles of leadership and developing a positive educational environment through the appropriate use of social media in higher education and developing a positive education environment. Also provide teacher and student with the best solution and police for social media in high education. The study is divided into two phases (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp3). The researcher discussion is comparison between the case study and analysis of the study title to what extent under graduate (UG) students and lecturers at Salford University (SU) use social media (SM) or like to use it for the benefit of education. Total on line participation for all social media studies included more than 1,200 and 12 principles. The field of the study included faculty and students residing in the United States. 5.1. Participation in social network 5.1.1 SU/SM in education 100% of the participants have used social media at some point, though not all maintained active accounts on a permanent basis. The total number of participants was smaller in this case, due to the shortened time frame for the research period. The total of UG students participating in the voluntary survey from SU were 85 and education staff from SU were 20. 5.1.2. Edweb case study 61% of the participants had joined social media, principles 54%, teachers 62%, and librarians 70%. In the other hand 78% 0f young participants between the ages 18 to 34 already use social media, 65% between the ages 35 to 54, and 47% over 55 years old (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp7). 5.2. If participants valued social networks? What participants think of social media communication? 5.2.1. Edweb case study Over all the result was a positive value by principles, teachers and librarians. The librarians recorded the highest value because they said that it is improving school communications. On the other hand principles fond it is very valuable for the following: Professional learning communities Good communication between staff and present student Sharing information (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp7). 5.2.2. SU/SM in education The analysis shows there is no problem with communication between students, and lectures using SM (social media) as a communication tool provide educational benefits. The majority also agreed that SM communication is more efficient than traditional communication. This has been noted empirically by the researcher which is mention at the SP & SN in education case study section (5.2.1.). On the other hand SU students and lecturers indicated two main negative aspects can be established during SM communication like distracting from the lecture or abuse (inappropriate language). In general, SM applications are good communication tools between students and lecture for the benefit of education. 5.3. Personal experience with social networking 5.3.1. Edweb case study The result for (personal experience with social networking and the use of it in education) was as follows: a) Most of the principles use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn b) They indicated that they use also the local social network for principles and teachers like ASCD or Technology Academy. c) Principals differentiate between their private social network and professional social network. d) The main use is for sharing, seeking knowledge and learning from others (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp12). 5.3.2. SU/SM in education The majority of the participation had more than one account in SM application. They used it for different reasons for example they used it for education, chatting and blogging. In one semester the participants reported daily usage patterns as follows: 1) 45% of education staff reported one usage, as did 15% of UG students. 2) 10% of education staff reported 2-3 usages, as did 40% of UG students. 3) 15% of education staff reported 7-8 usages, as did 6% of UG students. 4) 15% education staff, 8% UG students. This is a successful result at SU in terms of student knowledge on how to use SM for the benefit of education. This has been noted empirically by the researcher, and mentioned at the Edweb case study section (5.3.1) Over all, section (5.3.) indicates that SM applications are a beneficial practice with respect to communication and education by staff UG students. 5.4. Personal Interest with social networking 5.4.1. Edweb case study The result was as follows: a) They were interested in using social network communication with colleagues outside their area. b) 50% of the principles used for communicating within inside their area. c) 50% used it to improve their teachers. d) Some principles used to communicate with student and student guardian. Also the advantages by the principles at this stage were as follows: 50% find useful for sharing information. Some said it is good to learn from others. Some said it is one place to see the entire conversation. 2 principals said they are good tools to communicate with in school, in class and in their educational district. The disadvantages by the principals were as follow: Too much information and so little time to go through it (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp12-13). The researcher focuses on the interest and comfort of other education community adopting social network like colleagues, teachers, libraries and students. For this study the focus will be only on the teachers and students. The result of (interest and comfort level of educators and students using social networking for educational purposes) was as follows: Teachers: 50% of teachers and principals were interested and comfortable using social in educational setting and the other 50% disagree. Student: 50% of the participants indicated a high level of interest and comfortable using social network in education. On the other hand the other 50% interacted with social networks and some of them indicated high levels interest of education and the others were for fun only. The overall analysis of this question was as follows: younger educators felt more comfortable and interested but on the other hand a lower interest of comfort level is due to not having enough time to spend (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp14-15). Social Media represents a global phenomenon, but this sampling of an American University appears indicative of the prevalence of these media for modern youth in an industrialized country. In Europe, surveys have found that 57% of citizens spend more than 3 hours daily using Social Media. (ComScore inc., 2009). Communication between far-flung individuals has truly created a Global Village, described by McLuhan, as an acceleration of information and contact regardless of geography. (McLuhan, 1962) 5.4.2. SU/SM in education The study proved that 60% of education staff strongly agreed and 54% UG student agreed at SU they are interested in using SM technology for the benefit of education. Mathematical calculation will score an average of 57% agreed that SM technology is a good learning tool. More information was found, which states they are keen for more training on SM technology to improve their skills. Also the majority of UG student at SU agreed that it is a good aid for their module at the SU and the education of the staff at SU 50% on the positive side where they agreed is a good aid for their module and 45% cannot make their mind. On the other only 5% disagreed. The majority of participants agreed that the disadvantages of using SM for the benefit of education are cheating and distraction from the lecture topic. This is been noted empirically by the researcher which is mention at the SP & SN in education case study. (4). While one group denied participation in the study, SM is popular enough as a learning tool that volunteers among students and staff were not difficult to locate. 5.5. Participation points of view 5.5.1. Edweb case study During the final part of the research there was a concerned from high schools principals to get their point of view about the effects of social networks as a tool in educational experiences for the future. The majority of the principals stated that it will be substantive change in student educational experience. Also to achieve this, a more positive view is to encourage teachers and student to use social media, such as using it for homework, communicating with educational staff outside working hours, providing notes to be made available for students when they are not in class, as well as reduce face-to-face meetings and etc (Sponsored by edWeb.net, et al, 2010, pp19). 5.5.2. SU/SM in education Education staff and UG students agreed to a certain extent that they do not mind the use of SM application in class or lecture room. On the other hand, the lecturers at SU do not agree that SP & SN in education is a good communication tools which can take precedence over traditional communications. Over all section (5.5.) confirms SM as a useful communication tool, and even a classroom education aid. Read More