Social Media in E-Learning: An Empirical Analysis among Students and Academicians

Abstract

This study investigated the factors that might affect
the use of social media in e-learning, particularly targeting the
use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Questionnaire design
was based on Push-Pull-Mooring framework, and distributed to
students and academicians in local universities (N = 455). Five
significant predictors were found, viz. E-learning Perception,
Convenience, Academic Reasons, Ease of Use and Social
Networking. A further analysis revealed younger respondents
were more enthusiastic in using social media in e-learning,
particularly for Academic Reasons, Social Networking and Ease
of Use. The findings indicate that students and academicians are
open to the idea of using social media in e-learning, more
apparent among the younger ones. It is believed that integration
of social media in e-learning will enhance communication and
collaboration among students and academicians.