ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

Abstract

Social media has profoundly impacted communication and collaboration, extending its influence into educational contexts. This study examines the role of social media in collaborative learning, exploring both its benefits and challenges. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide novel opportunities for students and educators to engage, interact, and collaborate beyond traditional classroom settings. Key advantages include enhanced communication, increased accessibility, and the facilitation of diverse perspectives, which contribute to a richer, more interactive learning environment. For instance, platforms enable real-time discussions, peer feedback, and broader audience engagement, thereby promoting continuous learning and a sense of community. However, challenges such as distraction, the digital divide, privacy concerns, unequal participation, and inconsistent interaction quality must be addressed. These issues can undermine academic performance and exacerbate educational inequalities. Effective implementation of social media in education requires clear objectives, structured integration into the curriculum, and ongoing evaluation to mitigate these challenges. Despite these hurdles, social media holds significant potential for enriching collaborative learning experiences, provided that strategies are employed to maximize its benefits while managing its drawbacks.