Literature Review: Social Media's Impact on University Learning

This literature review examines the role of social media as a learning technology for university students. It analyzes two key articles: Hussain, Cakir & Candeğer (2018) and Lytras et al. (2018). The first study, using a quantitative and descriptive methodology, explores social media's impact on student interaction, access to resources, and critical thinking. It identifies limitations in sampling but suggests a framework for future research. The second article, a meta-research paper, focuses on sustainability in education, integrating social network research and ICT. It employs a mixed method approach, including surveys and literature review, to assess the integration of technology in higher education. The findings highlight the importance of social learning, integrated use of ICTs, and the need for policy adjustments. Both studies emphasize the potential of social media to enhance learning experiences, while also acknowledging the need for more rigorous research and policy considerations. The review also highlights the limitations of each study, like the absence of randomization and data availability, suggesting future research directions.

Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review
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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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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:

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LITERATURE REVIEW
i) Do social media and social networking websites have a significant role in in
educational institutions?
ii) Is there a methodological framework capable of promoting the integration of the
challenges in current social networking capabilities of Technology Enhanced
Learning and smart education platforms?
iii) What are the policy making requirements for such strategic shift?
Methodology
The article is essentially a follow-up and a meta-research paper to an integrated research
on ICT and Best Practices in Higher Education. It follows a mixed method involving both
qualitative and quantitative methods. It adopts a quantitative survey to test the theories followed
by a revision of existing literature to recommend policies.
Data analysis
The study used a survey questionnaire to find out the engagement of students, researchers
and professors with Learning management Systems, MOOCs and Social Media Applications. It
observes that Professors lack the awareness of LMS and their usage. Further, the study asserts
that integration of emerging technologies will benefit Sustainable Higher Education in terms of
problem solving capability and creative thinking.
Major findings
The study suggests that with the emergence of Open and Distributed Learning, integrated
use of ICTs and social learning interactions, given the institutional inefficiencies and
conservative policies do not cause hindrance to this evolution.

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Scope of the research
The research utilizes a wide range of population including various demographics and
individual expertise, preferences and knowledge. However, the authors confess that there was an
absence of adequate data as the respondents could not be randomized. Although the findings are
largely generalized than comparative, the study proposes future research potential including
Scope of the research

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Bibliography
Hussain, I., Cakir, O., & Candeger, Ü. (2018). Social Media as a Learning Technology for
University Students. International Journal of Instruction, 11(2), 281-296.
Lytras, M., Visvizi, A., Daniela, L., Sarirete, A., & Ordonez De Pablos, P. (2018). Social
networks research for sustainable smart education. Sustainability, 10(9), 2974.