Volume 8, Number 1

The Suitability of Selected Social Media for Language Education

  Authors

Adeleke Ayobami Gideon and Akpomuje (nee Folarin) Folake A, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

  Abstract

This study determined the factors that influence the application of social media to teaching-learning process; investigated applicable choice of social media relevant in the teaching-learning process and; determined the impact of social media on students’ language learning. Descriptive survey research design was employed. The population consist all Basics 6-9 school pupils in Osun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted. 670 pupils were sampled using stratified sampling procedure. A selfdeveloped instrument titled ‘Social Media Teach (SMT)’ with reliability coefficient of 0.762 was used to collect data. Pearson correlation and simple percentages were used in analysis. The study found the factors influencing application of social media to teaching-learning process include ease of access to learning materials (77.5%); freedom of expression (62.5%); increase interaction (language use) between peers (60%) and; improving pupils’ language skills (55%). The factors accentuated that social media has a place in language education. Study also found some social media applications appealing to learners in language education in the study area to include Google+, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The study further revealed positive relationship between the integration of social media into language education and performances in school (r = 0.245, p ˂ 0.05). Study concludes that the integration of social media in language education will improve language skills, expressions and school performance at basic schools.

  Keywords

social media, teaching-learning, language-education