Social Networking Software as Instrument for Teaching and Learning in Nigerian Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Social networking software (SNS), also known as social media, is increasingly becoming a veritable tool in the hands of educationists across contexts. When juxtaposed with the ever-growing population of the youths-students accustomed to high levels of ICT use in all contexts of their everyday lives, is giving impetus to the need to analyse the extent to which the deployment of SNS could impact on teaching and learning in higher educational institutions, most especially in the frontier countries, like Nigeria. It is on this premise this study examined the effects of self-efficacy in digital technology, peer-group influence and resource availability on the adoption of social networking software on teaching and learning systems in Nigerian higher educational institutions. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaire randomly administered to elicit information on the identified constructs for the study from both the students and the academic staff. Data obtained were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistical tools to identify association between social networking software and teaching and learning systems of sampled educational institutions. The study encouraged policy makers, educational practitioners, and developers to provide enabling environment for a successful adoption of e-learning systems for the benefit of education systems in developing countries.