Using Social Media to Engage and Develop Online Learners

Social media technology provides educators with an opportunity to further engage learners in the online classroom, as well as to support development of learner skills and competencies. This case study research project explores the role of social media in promoting cognitive and meta-cognitive learner development and in creating more self-directed and capable learners using a heutagogical teaching approach. Research was conducted using questionnaires and interviews and incorporated the perspectives of both students and instructors on the use of social media in the online classroom and how social media has influenced interaction and learner development. In addition, e-portfolios – created by students using social media – were reviewed to determine evidence of acquired competencies and reflective practice. This paper presents the findings from the case study, as well as general guidance to instructors for incorporating social media in the online classroom.