The Viability Of Using Online Social Networks As E-Learning Platforms In Tanzanian Universities

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the viability of using Online Social Networks (OSNs) as e-learning platforms in Tanzanian Universities. The population of this study was students of the University of Dodoma. Observation and questionnaires were used as a research instruments to collect data from 390 respondents which were proportionally selected. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS to obtain the breadth to which the observed behavior and practices are distributed within the population. Views and opinions of the students towards the use of OSNs as e-learning platforms were collected to constitute the qualitative data. The findings of this study indicate that most active users of OSNs are individuals aged between 21 and 30 years. While the most preferable site was Facebook followed by Google +, most of the students have the required experiences, skills and drive for effectively using OSNs as educational platforms. From this it was determined that the type of course under study has influence on students’ perceptions, attitudes as well as experiences towards the use of OSNs as e-learning platforms. A prototype which shows how OSNs can be used as e-learning platforms is proposed and tested. This prototype is meant to stimulate the use of OSNs for educational purposes for less technically savvy students. From this research findings, it is concluded that student’s prefer OSNs as an e-learning platforms, as it provides them with more interactive features as compared to the existing learning management systems.