The Use of Social media in E-learning: A metasynthesis

This article is a study in how social media can have an effect on those who are
involved in the process of e-learning. This study is comprised of peer-reviewed
qualitative research and its findings, which includes: research methods, data, and
theories that were used to investigate the effect social media has in relation to
e-learning. Through this meta synthesis over the course of two decades, seven themes
of issues that affect learning emerged: idea generation, idea organization, social
learning, knowledge building, student support, deep learning, and the learning
environment. What this study concluded was that in order for social media to assist in
an e-learner’s success, it is imperative that they are anchored in student support,
students must be able to generate ideas on their own, and it must be kept in mind that
social interactions, commitments, and friendships play a huge role in the success of an
individual’s e-learning experience (Mnkandala & Minnaar, 2017).

This article was founded through the use of a metasynthesis, which means it was
a systematic review and integration of findings through the use of a number or
qualitative studies (Mnkandala et al. 2017). This feels like an extremely thorough
approach to research as well as an inclusive one. By using this method, numerous
views, technologies, and data is combined to compile the most accurate, inclusive
report possible. I also enjoyed how the research included numerous charts and even
rubrics for the needed criteria to be admitted into the study. Another reason this article
intrigued me was that it focused on the aspect of social media. In today’s environment
social media is inescapable and students need to be taught how to use it in a positive
manner. With social media being all about collaboration, community-building,
participation, interactivity, networking, flexibility, and sharing, it is the perfect resource to
accompany and prepare students to participate in e-learning.

E-learning is in association with the OCL theory, or the Online Collaborative

Learning Theory construed by Linda Harasim. The OCL theory encourages students to
solve problems collaboratively through discourse and group participation rather than
simply memorizing correct answers. With the OCL theory, the teacher plays a critical
role as not only facilitator, but also as a member of the community of learners. I feel as
though this is almost the exact definition of what e-learning strives to be (Harasim,
2012).

There is also correlation between this research and Clark’s position on the
media. Clark mentions in his articles the use of meta analytic reviews of media
research, similar in form to this research, and believes it has produced evidence of its
positive learning benefits. It also correlates with Clark’s belief that rather than the media
being responsible for the learning, the instructional methods and how it is presented is
what causes it to be either successful, or unsuccessful (Clark, 1994).

Works Cited:
Clark, R. E. (n.d.). Media Will Never Influence Learning. Retrieved from
http://vizedhtmlcontent.next.ecollege.com/CurrentCourse/Clark-ETRD1994.pdf

Harasim, L. (2012). Learning theory and online technology. New York, NY: Routledge.

Mnkandla, E., & Minnaar, A. (2017). The use of social media in e-learning: A metasynthesis.
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning,​ ​18​(5). Retrieved from
https://search-proquest-com.proxy.tamuc.edu/education/docview/1944759055/fulltextPDF/8359
8330D0144E62PQ/5?accountid=7083​.