Online Social Networks as Communication and Learning Environments: Post-Graduate Students' Attitudes and Preferences

Abstract

The globe has undergone drastic changes in new millennial as a consequence of network technologies and social software. Social network sites have become very popular for people from diverse backgrounds and drown much attention by the academia because of the social features provided on networks. Within this perspective, this paper explores potential of social networks in learning dimension and examines post-graduate students' attitudes and preferences regarding the use of online social networks for learning purposes in addition to their use for social communication and interaction purposes. This paper further examines online social networks in terms of degree of connectivity, social communication and learning. The findings reveal that post graduate students widely employ online social networks for learning as well as communication and interaction. On the basis of research findings, this paper concludes that online social networks are effective and efficient learning environments for social constructivist and connectivist learning.