Challenges of using social media tools for learning among students: a case of library and information science students at the university of Zambia.

Thumbnail Image
Date
2016
Authors
Mwiinga, Thabiso, Mayaba
M'kulama, Abel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA), international journal of teaching and learning in Africa
Abstract
The research investigated the challenges of using social media applications for learning among undergraduate students at the University of Zambia. It specifically sought to investigate what social media tools were being used by the undergraduates; and establish challenges undergraduates face in the use of social media tools. A sample of 175 Library and Information Science students at the University of Zambia was randomly selected for the study. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires. The study established that students were using all the four social media tools under investigation. The findings further indicate that the major challenge students faced in the use of social media applications is inadequate knowledge and skill. The study concludes that although Library and Information Science students at the University of Zambia use social media applications they still lack knowledge and skill in the educational use of such tools. And lastly, the study recommends that lecturers should provide their students with opportunities to exercise the use of social media in their coursework; and that further research is needed that studies lecturers’ acceptance and utilization of social media applications for teaching and learning.
Description
Keywords
Educational technologies. , Social media.
Citation