Social Networking Websites as an Innovative Framework for Connectivism

Abstract

With the Internet's innate structure, new generations have increased their abilities on finding new people whom they have something in common and networking with them. Web 2.0 technologies have altered the ways how new generations manage their learning activities. Many studies showed that most of the social networking websites have created different learning networks and online communities on their bodies. As a result, many educational institutions have taken advantages of social networking websites for maintaining their teaching and learning activities. On the other hand, institutions suffer from the deficiency of guiding learning theories and their effective implementation. This article discusses Connectivism as an alternative platform for instructional processes on social networking websites. Connectivism explains learning in terms of interactions on a network where the learners exchange their knowledge. Social networking websites which offer connections in the form of friendships provide a context for the implementation of Connectivism. Therefore, the article aims to depict a relationship between educational activities on social networking websites and the contemporary Connectivist Learning Theory. The article also presents suggestions on integration of social networking websites' into education.

Integrated Three Theories to Develop a Model of Factors Affecting Students’ Academic Performance in Higher Education

“…In the search of Taylor et al [6], it is suggested that in communicating and interacting academic matters through formal relationship with faculty, students are reluctant to use social media. Students' academic performance activities using enriched features of social media have been exploited by various educational institutions [9] and utilized in refining communication to faculty members and students through adopting this technology for improved services [10]. This is on the grounds that significant educational potential is held in the technology of social media that could bolster the activities in education by enabling collaboration, interaction, critical thinking, active participation, and information and resource sharing [11], [12].…”

An Evaluation of Structural Model for Independent Learning Through Connectivism Theory and Web 2.0 Towards Studentsr Achievement

“…It seems that Social Networking Site (SNS) structures could provide a new platform for comprehending and implementing this learning theory. In order to take advantage of new premises regarding connectivism, Facebook is the most well-known SNS that could certainly recommend a field of implementation where billions of people attached to each other in its highly networked body [15].…”

“…In that sense, SNSs comprising already linked members in their innate technologies have a superior potential to enrich learners' current knowledge, skills, and abilities. Connectivism could assist different researchers to explain the underlying reasons of change in the learners' current situation as a result of their interaction on SNSs [15]. Connectivism also enlightened that SNSs are platforms which could improve instructional processes for both learners and educators.…”

Social Sciences Teachers' Opinions on Usage of Educational Information Network

“…The concept of social networking is defined as communities created on the Internet that enable people to share their thoughts and facilitate interaction with each other towards a common goal. According to Tinmaz [7] the role of social networks is "to provide a network of people connected to one another in the field of education", such as in the social field, "when they need each other and information". As social networking platforms quickly become widespread and accessible, people's connections with each other become stronger.…”