Social Media in Education - Previous Research

Megan Grayburn
Issues in Instructional Technology, Summer 2015
University of West Georgia

Title and Topic: Casey, G. g. (2013). Interdisciplinary Literacy Through Social Media in the
Mathematics Classroom: An Action Research Study. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult
Literacy, 57(1), 60-71
Summary of the Review of Literature:
Caseys review of literature views the technology in the world around us, and the best
means to incorporate it into classrooms today. Society is calling for increased use of technology
for students, but is not prescribing a means to do so. She states that technology is used mainly as
word processors or a platform for drill and practice, therefore we are not using technology to the
potential that it has. The incorporation of social media creates a learning environment that
students are familiar with, as much of their lives are embedded in social media. Including social
media in the classroom on a regular basis is a better platform for student understanding, provides
more uses of technology to students, and also teaches internet safety. Though it must be
appropriately integrated, social media in the classroom has the potential to transform education.
Analysis of Methodology: Research Question: How can I use my students, as well as my own,
engagement and knowledge of social and participatory media to help strengthen student
participation and engagement with mathematics, and therefore develop a more active, social,
and shared learning framework?
Casey conducted an action-based research study utilizing qualitative data, seeking to
redesign components of curriculum projects to make use of the concept of social media. Most of
the data collected came from a social media community she provided for her students using
Ning. The four main concepts used for data collection were content (videos, images, etc.),
activities (projects, sharing), interactions (blogs, comments, etc.), and assessments (peer

feedback, self assessment, etc.). Using her own students she taught on a daily basis, Casey
interacted with students both face-to-face and digitally. Her descriptive study analyzed the
interactions of students in the math classroom using social media.
Summary of the Results:
A positive outcome of the use of social media in the classroom is that it allowed for a
more social environment than the traditional classroom. Students were able to create and
publish their math knowledge where peers could provide unlimited feedback on their work.
With regard to mathematics instruction, students were able to access more real world examples
to show how the world related to them.
Casey admits that creating a social media classroom environment is very time
consuming, as assignments must not only be graded, but student responses must also be
monitored. The entire layout of the classroom was ultimately transformed, teaching with a more
global perspective, and causing Casey to reassess her values as a teacher. Though this is true, the
social media platform provided a type of shared knowledge bank of past concepts, allowing
students to refer back to their notes and work at a later time.
The focus of this study was to incorporate literacy into mathematics instruction by means
of social media. Though Casey allowed students to use shorthand as they do on their own social
media and technology devices, students were required to make responses as complete thoughts,
which encouraged students to use their literacy skills in the mathematics classroom.

Personal Opinion:
This research study did not directly answer a question, but simply stated work that she
had been doing in her classroom prior to this journal being published. It was very open-ended,
not providing a specific direction for the study to go. While this is true, Casey provides many
reasons for social media incorporation, as well as many outlets to use social media.
One aspect of her study that I do not agree with is the use of shorthand writing in
responses. Yes, it is important for students to properly voice their thoughts, but to correctly
incorporate literacy, students must using their formal writing skills to complete their thoughts.
Students are required to write responses on standardized tests in math, so it is important to
incorporate this as often as possible in the math classroom.

Title and Topic: Clayton, M. J., Hettche, M., & Dae-Hee, K. (2014). Moving Participation
Beyond the Classroom: Who Benefits from Online Social Communities?. Journal Of
Advertising Education, 18(1), 5-13.
Summary of the Review of Literature:
Classroom discussion and participation are considered traditional instructional tools, but
do not have to be used in a traditional way. Particularly in large classrooms, it is difficult to
include all student in class discussions. Discussing various means to evaluate classroom
participation, using only the few in-class instructional hours per week is difficult to properly
evaluate this activity.
In this day and age, electronics are a constant distraction from students as they are
continually using their devices and social media. Many students feel educators should embrace
the technology rather than resist it. Particularly for shy students, the inclusion of social media in
education has the potential for great benefits. Students and educators can communicate openly,
and provide written conversations to refer to at a later date. Incorporation of technology
certainly has the potential to be injurious to the classroom, when utilized correctly, it has even
more potential to be beneficial.
Analysis of Methodology: Research Question: What is the relationship, if any, between in-class
and online social media participation? In particular, do the quality and intensity of student
participation in course topic-related discussions remain the same or different for each student
across the two settings?

Clayton et al conducted an action-based research study at a university in the Mid-Atlantic

region, utilizing 61 students across two sections of a single course. Using quantitative data, this
study compared online engagement to in-class participation, utilizing student participation on
Google+ platform. The study awarded point values to responses, with higher points for more
elaborate response and participation
Summary of the Results:
Many ideas were discovered through the use of this study in the classroom. Though it
was hypothesized that student involvement using social media interaction would demonstrate an
increase from in-class participation, this particular study found a students behavior online
mirrors his/her behavior in the classroom. The study discusses that personality traits may
contribute to this factor. Additionally, students in this study mentioned the pervasion of work
into their social lives was not appealing to encourage participation. For example, had the study
used Facebook to communicate, students state they would feel less likely to fully participate in
class discussions. As few of the students used Google+ for their social lives, few of the students
felt the intrusion to their personal lives.
Clayton et al discuss implications for future research, specifically the use of best
practices. Students typically use social media for their social lives, however use for class or
work generally needs to be done in a more professional manner. Parameters, roles, and
requirements must be stated and understood by all. Though the study found students participate
the same in class as they do online, continued use has the potential to increase student
participation and success.

Personal Opinion:
This study provided in-depth research utilizing quantitative data to determine the success
or failure of social media for education. Particularly in this day and age, students and educators
are not used to using these technologies as a main means of learning. Understanding the need for
students to have a space between their work or education and their social lives is a critical
component to using social media. For this reason, Edmodo and LinkedIn are helpful means of
social media to complete work. I agree with the authors in saying the expectations of all parties
must be explicitly stated. Students are using social media on a regular basis, however they are
using it for their social lives, not in a professional manner. These expectations will improve the
work students can do.

Title and Topic: Jacquemin, S. s., Smelser, L. K., & Bernot, M. J. (2014). Twitter in the Higher
Education Classroom: A Student and Faculty Assessment of Use and Perception. Journal
Of College Science Teaching, 43(6), 22-27.

Summary of the Review of Literature:

Since it appeared on the scene in the late 1990s, the use of social media continues to rise
globally. Though it was first invented for social means, it has the potential to move into various
professional fields. Particularly in education, with students who stay up to date on technology,
using social media helps to keep education relevant to these tech savvy students. Like all
research in education positive and negative elements have been reported in the use of social
media in education. Students are able to be more active in their education with a steady flow of
information with social media such as Twitter, however without teacher guidance in discussions,
there is a higher chance of derailment in the productivity of the dicussions.
Analysis of Methodology:
The study states the primary objective was to assess use of social media and preconceived
notions on its use in education, with a secondary objective to incorporate the technology into an
already existing course. This research study was conducted in the biology department of Ball
State University in two parts. The first part used a survey of 22 undergraduate students, 16
graduate students, and 17 faculty members to find their ideas and opinions on social media and
its use in the classroom. The second part incorporated Twitter into a graduate biology class of 16
students. In this part, students were assessed on their participation in the online community, and
completed a survey following the study. Jacquemin et al used quantitative data to complete the
study.
Summary of the Results:

In looking to the survey results prior to the study, the researchers found, essentially, the
younger the person, the more social media was used. For example, all undergraduate students
surveyed report using at least one form of social media, while 41% of faculty members surveyed
report using no social media. However, all three groups agree that social media has the potential
to be both constructive and distracting. This indicates the need to properly incorporate it with
strict expectations.
With regards to the graduate students using Twitter as an educational tool, this study
reports 100% of the graduate students found Twitter to not be a beneficial tool to their course.
The researchers describe it is too obtuse for formal interaction. Students admit it exposed
them to more media, however the format of Twitter is not helpful. For this, the researchers
recommend further study on the use of other social media outlets to enhance the classroom.
Personal Opinion:
I agree that the format of Twitter is not the best means for incorporating social media into
the classroom. This is a social media tool that society uses for personal use, and I imagine it is
difficult to combine personal and educational tools into one. Personally, I use Twitter as a means
to find new information daily, however it does not provide a forum for students to interact with
each other. I do think having a class Twitter for parents to follow like a blog would be helpful,
but for student use, I believe a forum such as the one provided on Edmodo, would be best.
Title and Topic: Thibaut, P. (2015). Social network sites with learning purposes: Exploring new
spaces for literacy and learning in the primary classroom. Australian Journal Of
Language & Literacy, 38(2), 83-94.

Summary of the Review of Literature:

The idea of a social network has existed long before social media entered the internet.
Citing Wenger et al, Thibaut defines social networks as nodes of relationships that are used by
people as a resource to solve problems, share knowledge, and make further connections.
Everyone has social networks both face-to-face and digitally. Today, with digital social media,
these social networks can be expanded further than the people you interact with in your
neighborhood, school, or work, to people across the globe, along with countless resources at your
fingertips.
Specifically studying Edmodo, an education based social media platform, this social
network is more than a means to communicate, but is also a tool to record grades, post
reminders, survey students, and much more. Similar to Facebook, students are able to design
their profile, however they are interacting with students in a safe, monitored environment.
The literature review explains that much of the research on primary school (K-6) with
social media is emergent as little research has been done. Research that is available
demonstrates a positive impact on literacy education as all students are able to contribute and
receive feedback on a regular basis. Though social media certainly would benefit these students,
it is important that it is not the only means of education as young students need to learn social
skills that cannot be learned in a strictly online learning environment.
Analysis of Methodology: Research Question: How are schoolteachers and students using a
social network site with learning purposes in the classroom and how are those practices
connected with learning and literacy?

This study followed 30 sixth grade students in an independent K-12 school in Sydney,
Australia. Over the course of three school terms, student interactions were monitored, and
students were interviewed regarding their use of Edmodo in their education.
Summary of the Results:
In referring back to the research question, Thibaut found the platform is being used as a
means to provide content, but is also being used as an additional support system in learning as
well as communication. Students were provided with content through games, videos, and other
activities, and were part of a learning environment that is student-centered rather than teachercentered. The teacher in this study sought to not only use Edmodo to enrich the academic
content, but to also teach students how to interact with others in social media.
Thibaut is very clear that the study conducted does not replace the traditional teacher.
Students in primary school are still in need of social skills that can be learned in the traditional
classroom. In this age, it is critical that social media is a support for student learning, not the
entire course.
Personal Opinion:
This study completely aligns with my belief about social media. I am happy to know that
elementary level teachers are including social media, as students need to learn the appropriate
means to use it. The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act requires parent consent for
information about any child under the age of 13 to be used on the internet (www.coppa.org), but
this does not mean these children are not on social media behind the backs of their parents. The
teacher in this study did a wonderful thing when she began the use of Edmodo with a few days

on the expectations on the class site and any social media platform. Schools preach anti-bullying
positions, but need to begin these talks early with the use of social media as part of class.

Title and Topic: White, J. W., & Hungerford-Kresser, H. (2014). Character Journaling Through
Social Networks. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 57(8), 642-654.
doi:10.1002/jaal.306
Summary of the Review of Literature:
In an attempt to maintain student attention in the classroom, many school districts are
banning the use of social media in the classroom. Administrators who view social media in a

negative light often view it as a distraction that hinders student learning, provides an
unmanageable avenue for bullying, and facilitates cheating. While these are valid concerns,
social media has exponential potential benefits in education when incorporated appropriately.
These platforms not only help with communication, but they also can help further engage
students in their learning.
English Language Arts teachers are beginning to see the potential of social media in the
classroom. In particular, the study of expression can be studied through the use of these
platforms. Students are able to express themselves through projects, responses, and forums with
infinite possibilities. This also allows for the exploration of communication in the digital world,
which is becoming more prevalent than face-to face communication.
Analysis of Methodology:
Students at a large public university volunteered to participate in a character journaling
research project. These 18 students were enrolled in an English methods course studying the
characters in To Kill a Mockingbird. Each student created a Facebook profile for their assigned
character to journal about throughout the unit. White and Hungerford-Kresser used a qualitative
approach using observation on the social media pages along with analyzing the screenshot
artifacts of the various character pages. Additionally, participants were surveyed on the use of
this tool in the classroom to determine the potential in a K-12 classroom.
Summary of the Results:
The participants in this study went to great lengths to make the most of the assignments.
In standard character journaling, there are limits to what can be done, often stopping with written

expression. The Facebook pages, on the other hand, allowed for non-textual modes of
expression such as images, videos, music, and more. Status updates allowed for journaling
opportunities in a format students can directly relate to, encouraging the understanding of
historical context as the posts are made in sequential order. Allowing for discussion between
characters, novel analysis can more easily go deeper than normally occurs in a traditional
classroom environment.
White and Hungerford-Kresser discuss this assignment has been used a few times
following the original study, and each semester is highly successful. Students are not only able
to analyze the novels selected, but they are further engaged into their work and enjoying it! The
limitations of social media are recognized, but White and Hungerford-Kresser argue the benefits
outweigh the limitations. Teachers are typically skeptical of the potential of social media, but
without trying, we can never know the transformation it can make.
Personal Opinion:
Using social media for journaling is a fantastic idea one that I have hoped to use in my
own classroom. As a teacher, not a professor, the limitations can make the use of social media in
this regard can be scary, but the potential for student work is immeasurable. Students are more
familiar with Web 2.0 tools, and teachers must incorporate these as often as possible. The aim of
education is to teach students in the best way possible for them. Learning styles also considers
traditional versus digital means. We do not teach for ourselves, we teach for our students. Using
social media for journaling allows students to go above and beyond the written word and truly
experience the life of the character. Personally, I hope to have the opportunity to utilize this in
my classroom so my students can understand characters or historical figures on a deeper level.

Professional Position: Is Social Media Effective in Education?

Following the study of the use of social media in the classroom, I believe it has the
potential to be successful, but must be used in the appropriate manner. Each study, while
different in the information it provided, gives insight to the whats, hows, and whys of the use of
social media.
My first position is the understanding of separating work life and social life. Using a
social platform such as Facebook or Twitter would not be an effective means to communicate

and educate students. Often users approach these platforms as a means to get away from the
stresses of work and school to see what is going on with friends, family, celebrities, and other
groups or people. This is why I believe the use of a social media such as Edmodo, where the
sole use is for education, is the best means to use social media in the classroom. When teachers
and students log in to Edmodo, they are doing so for work or school means, and they have the
understanding of what they are expected to do during that time.
An additional belief is the importance of using social media in the classroom, particularly
for upper elementary students, to teach students proper online etiquette. COPPA bans all use of
information on children under the age of 13 on any form of social media, however this doesnt
mean these children are not on them. Online bullying is a huge problem, and it stems from not
having the correct knowledge on how to appropriately use this form of communication. Through
the use of a protected social media platform such as Edmodo where the teacher moderates and
parents can have access as well, it encourages students to be more aware of the things they are
posting. Therefore, I believe instruction on social media must not stop at the content, but must
also train students on how to appropriately use the internet in an attempt to clean up social
media.
Lastly, I believe the use of social media is critical in the sense that it provides for endless
means of educational means. Students can access more resources, with a set of resources
provided regularly to view immediately, or to review later. Students can also communicate more
readily with each other and the teacher. There are more possibilities for student assignments.
Parents can be more involved in their childs education as they can view it before their very eyes.
Right now, the world has a very limited view on the term social media, and especially with the

way some people use it, it has a negative connotation to it. However the potentials are endless
and are often not even addressed by users.
I selected this topic to study as I have had interest in its use for many years. I have made
attempts to incorporate social media into my classroom, but it was not a major aspect of my
instruction, so it often became forgotten. This is an important thing to remember the use of
social media cant just be an after thought, but must be woven into instructional strategies. I
hope to incorporate the use of social media with the use of the flipped classroom model, to
encourage more student discussion on topics, while providing unlimited resources for my
students to learn and understand the material being taught. This coming school year I will use
Edmodo for this, and hope to have positive results to report!