Social Media as a Learning Technology for University Students

Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review
Student’s name:
University:
Author’s note:

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Social Media as a Learning Technology for University Students (Hussain,
Cakir &, Candeğer 2018)
Research question
The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the role of social media as a learning technology.
It deals with two major objectives:
i) Examining the role of social media as learning technology for university students
ii) Identifying the problems in using social media as a learning technology
Methodology
The methodology is quantitative and descriptive. The study adopts an exploratory, non-
experimental method that aims to describe a particular phenomenon. The population of the
survey is comprised of Bachelors and Master’s degree students in their final semesters of
departments of Social Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It follows
purposive and convenient sampling method where the students took part in a survey. The survey
questionnaire included a five-point rating scale and the data collection was validated by a pilot
test on 30 subjects and experts’ opinion.
Data analysis
The study asserts that social media serves as a useful and innovative platform for
interaction, communication and collaboration in the learning process. It suggests that social
media is considered as an effective learning tool by the students as it provides instant access to

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LITERATURE REVIEW
multiple reliable and latest sources of learning. Further it remarks that social media enhances
critical thinking and argumentation skill, as well as instils futuristic vision among students.
Major findings
The study finds that social media provides students with opportunities to virtually interact
with their peers and experts. Most importantly, it indicates that social media ensures the scope of
cross-cultural understanding and motivation to promote futuristic problem-oriented activities and
social learning.
Scope of the research
The research lacks of internal validity for its bias in the sampling. There is an obvious
absence of randomization of the sample population which may affect the generalization of the
outcome. However, the study provides a theoretical framework which may pave the way for
future research with more accurate and experimental research.
Social Networks Research for Sustainable Smart Education (Lytas et al.,
2018)
Research question
The article focuses on the sustainability in education. It explores the advances in the
social network research and tries to integrate the conceptual and empirical advances of
technology in the domain of education. It deals with a number of specific research questions: