FACTORS HINDERING THE ADOPTION OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TEACHING TOOL IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to look into the reasons why social media isn't used well as a teaching tool in college education. Even though social media can greatly improve student interaction and engagement, there is little evidence that educators have embraced it within formal teaching environments. The researcher will examine and provide an explanation as to what the barriers are that impact an educator’s decision to use social media when teaching.

Design/methodology/approach –This study uses a conceptual paper approach to integrate three streams of existing literature (e.g., educational technology, digital pedagogy, and higher education studies) in order to create a comprehensive view of the barriers to social media use as a teaching tool. In particular, a "model paper" approach will be utilized to illustrate how barriers as well as individual teacher dispositions are related to one another and how these barriers can all hinder the successful implementation of social media within higher education.