Archival education in the age of social media in Algeria: opportunities and future horizons

Abstract

Digital technology is changing the way we learn, interact, work and entertain, for its unlimited potential in penetrating all spheres of life. The digital revolution is transforming education industry worldwide. In recent years, extensive debate and research are exploring digital technology, focusing on developing a clear understanding of its capabilities as a platform for making social sciences and humanities applicable to the cyber environment of the twenty first century. The widespread use of social media supported by a rapid growth of the digital culture is making learning ubiquitous by creating, capturing and sharing knowledge. This is enhancing students’ engagement and learning efficiency. It is also improving the learner-instructor interaction by engaging students in a more meaningful participation in their own education and academic achievement. To accomplish this, both students and instructors need to have the skills and expertise in capturing the positive effect of the digital technology and engaging in the new learning environment. This paper reflects on the new learning environment supported by a curriculum reflecting the digital technology era. It discusses how students at the department of archives at the University of Constantine 2 build on the digital capabilities of social media to engage in independent learning by creating and sharing knowledge.