NEW MEDIA IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A STUDY OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AMONG STUDENTS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, NIGERIA.
NEW MEDIA IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A STUDY OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AMONG STUDENTS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, NIGERIA.
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Date
2014-06
Authors
LIMAN, RASHEEDAH
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Abstract
This research examines the relationship between Social Media usage
and its educational and social influence on the undergraduate students of
Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The research explores both the negative and
positive dimensions of Social Media within the larger framework of New
Media and higher education. Students have generally been using Social
Media to connect with friends. However, the increased use of Social Media
has in turn led to the utilization of Social Media inside and outside the
classroom, based on the real and theoretical potential benefits to educational
institutions. The potential benefits include enhancing the overall college
experience (Banaria, 2004) expanding educational opportunities (LaRose
2010), library services (Kaplan, 2010). The problematic remains that both in
the developed world, and in a developing country like Nigeria, the full
benefits or otherwise of New Media in the education arena is still
conjectural. This study helped to provide further clarification on the benefits
or otherwise of Social Media in education, by exploring what is obtainable
within the context of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria. Participatory
Communication theory was used as a framework for the study. The study
used a three-phased approach with questionnaire, on-line forum and focus
group methods to collect data, and then the data was analyzed using a
concurrent convergent method. Based on the findings of the research, Social
Media use in education will continue to increase because participants felt
that Social Media is not only a matter of personal choice but also a societal
expectation. The overall attitude of respondents and participants was
positive towards Social Media and its use in academic settings. While the
larger use of Social Media in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria is for
socialization, the percentage use for academic purposes is also considerable.
In addition to the issue of blurring of boundaries between their personal and
academic lives, the most significant challenges presented by the use of
Social Media as identified by this research among Ahmadu Bello University
undergraduate students are; plagiarism, Social Media as a distraction to
academic pursuit and the posting of inappropriate online content.
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO
UNIVERSITY ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR
THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSPHPY IN
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION.
Keywords
NEW MEDIA,, HIGHER,, EDUCATION,, STUDY,, SOCIAL MEDIA,, AMONG,, STUDENTS,, AHMADU,, BELLO UNIVERSITY,, ZARIA, NIGERIA.