The use of social media as a learning tool by staff in the college of education, Kuwait University : a qualitative study

Abstract EN

The use of social media as a learning tool in the college of education, Kuwait University, was explored by interviewing a purposive sample (n=10) of the faculty members.

a thematic analysis of the qualitative data provided empirical evidence to support the conclusion that all of the staff perceived that the use of social media potentially benefits the learning performance of students in a sex-segregated education system.

findings, also, reflected the results of a quantitative study previously conducted in saudi arabia.

the perceived benefits of social media use included stimulating interactivity with peers and teachers and active collaborative learning and enhancing student engagement.

three of the staff suggested that fundamental arab/islamic ideology (e.g., gender segregation) may act as a constraint.

the staff also reported certain technical difficulties that could be easily resolved by the co-ordinator of the educational technology centre at Kuwait University.

the study recommends developing a formal framework with written guidelines, taking into account the cultural context of a sex-segregated educational system.