Learning framework using social media networks

Abstract

Social media networks are being used heavily by people from different social, economic, and educational backgrounds all over the world. University, college, and high-school students constitute a main faction of social media network users. In this study, a framework for student learning using social media network environment is developed. The framework is founded in the self-determination theory (SDT). The self-determination theory is one of the important theories of motivation and personality. Its focus is geared towards both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation issues. It addresses three universal innate and psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and psychological relatedness. A person’s social environment necessitates caring for these three needs in order for the person to actualize their potential, function and grow optimally. In addition to creating the social environment that caters for students’ psychological needs, for a new framework of learning using social media to be successfully adopted by students it needs to address their cognitive, emotional and contextual interests. Towards this end, this study explores and founds the conceptual grounds of a social media learning framework.

Keywords: Social media network, learning, self-determination theory, motivation, competence, autonomy, relatedness.