STUDENTS' ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS MAINSTAY FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING. THE CASE OF THE WA NURSING TRAINING COLLEGE

Abstract

Scholars have different views on the use of social media and its effects on teaching and learning. This study looked at students’ engagement in social media and its significance for their academic performance. The study was a cross sectional survey. Questionnaire (based on 4-Likert scale) and observation were used for data collection. Hundred and ten (110) student-nurses were conveniently sampled for the study. A section of the participants were observed in the Information and Communication Technology Laboratory during their computer lessons. The results which were processed with SPSS version 20 indicate that the student-nurses engaged mostly in Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google+, YouTube and Twitter. Participants used social media largely for learning, socialization, and entertainment. Majority specified that social media influence their academic performance positively. It is recommended that Interactive Social Networks should be developed by Health Training Institutions (HTIs) for teaching and learning purposes in the country.