Arab media faculty and students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using social media in education

Abstract EN

Despite the growing demand for digitally competent employees in the news media industry, Arab media programs are cautiously integrating social media reporting into their curriculum.

This study explores the status quo of using social media into Arab media programs and the perceptions of faculty of factors which hinder offering social media as a program or courses or to be integrated into conventional media courses.

The study found that the use of social media is not noticeable to some extent, especially in academic matters.

Both faculty and students stated that most of Arab mediafaculty use traditional ways in teaching media courses.

Only two thirds of Arab media faculty confirmed that social media is being integrated into some courses.

Both agreed on the need for including social media into media curricula and having qualified faculty in social media.

Findings suggest that the curriculum should include emphasis on ethics, technical skills, and the potential for career development.