Social network for collaborative learning: what are the determining factors?

Abstract

Despite the disruptiveness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Global South, the superficial and lacklustre use of information technology has been exposed, especially in the education sector. Meanwhile, the early stages of the pandemic saw academic institutions racing up to harness digital learning solutions, including social networks, to facilitate teaching and learning. By sampling 360 students from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ghana, a partial least square structural equation modelling, in this study, was leveraged to explore the determinants of using social networks for collaborative learning. After analysing the data, this study shows that perceived ease of use of social networks, perceived usefulness of social networks, perceived enjoyment from social network use, subjective norm, and user satisfaction were the main determinants that influence students' attitudes towards the use of social networks for collaborative learning. Additionally, the study found social networks as a useful tool for improving the academic performance of students in HEIs. We therefore envision that this study would influence policy, practice, and research on the use of social networks for teaching and learning in HEIs in the Global South.