University students’ perceptions of social networking sites (SNSs) in their educational experiences at a regional Australian university

Abstract

Higher education institutions, and the way education is delivered and supported, are being transformed by digital technologies. Internationally, institutions are increasingly incorporating online technologies into delivery frameworks and administration -both through internal learning management systems (LMS) and external social networking sites (SNSs). This study aims to explore how higher education students in a regional Australian dual-sector institute use and manage SNSs for personal and study-related activities and their perceptions of how this impacts their educational experiences. This mixed-methods study involved a quantitative and qualitative survey of 355 vocational training and higher education students and in-depth focus groups with ten higher education students. Four key themes were identified through thematic analysis: SNSs as a tool for fostering peer connectedness with fellow students; deliberate and distinct variation between personal and educational use of SNSs; resistance to external SNSs within education settings; and, need for a balance between digital and face-to-face learning and connectedness. Implications for curriculum design and delivery, and development of support for students in diverse learning contexts, are considered.

Accountability in educational dialogue on attrition rates: Understanding external attrition factors and isolation in online law school

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Helping doctoral students crack the publication code: An evaluation and content analysis of the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology

“…• Investigate how learning management systems can be used to enhance student learning processes and sense of connectedness within cross-institutional studies using mixed methods (e.g., Sadowski, Pediaditis, & Townsend, 2017).…”

Identifying Opportunities to Integrate Digital Professionalism into Curriculum: A Comparison of Social Media Use by Health Profession Students at an Australian University in 2013 and 2016

“…Increasingly, higher education institutions are exploring the validity and effective use of these platforms through research and/or trial and error [16,21]. Student experiences, perceptions and preferences about learning are an integral aspect of determining how digital platforms can be successfully integrated into curricula [7]. This study aimed to compare students' perceptions of digital media use in 2013 and 2016 cohorts.…”

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