Postgraduate students' perspective on using Twitter as a learning resource in higher education

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Education Technology
• Higher Education

Background:

• Social networking platforms are increasingly integrated into the teaching-learning process.
• Understanding international students' views on Twitter is crucial for higher education.
• This study explores postgraduate students' perspectives on Twitter as an educational tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate postgraduate students' viewpoints on utilizing Twitter as a learning resource.
• To identify barriers and potential benefits of Twitter in postgraduate education.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving postgraduate students at a UK university.
• Data collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.
• Qualitative data analyzed using R package for Qualitative Data Analysis software and deductive content analysis.

Main Results:

• Four themes emerged: background knowledge, influencing factors, educational experiences, and potential uses of Twitter.
• Students valued Twitter for sharing links and immediate information dissemination.
• Barriers included privacy concerns, unfamiliarity, and reluctance to participate in discussions.

Conclusions:

• Social media integration in education presents challenges for learners and educators.
• Twitter is primarily used for social interaction among postgraduate students.
• Students perceive educational benefits from Twitter, contingent on adequate guidance and addressing initial unfamiliarity.