Social Media For Professional Development Research Articles

Examining preschool teacher’s use of social media in terms of their professional development

The purpose of this study was to investigate how preschool instructors use social media for professional development. Explanatory sequential design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in the research. The quantitative study group of the research consists of 213 preschool teachers working in Kahramanmaraş province in the 2020-2021 academic year, and the qualitative study group consists of 16 preschool teachers. "Social Media Usage Questionnaire" and semi-structured "Interview Form" were used as data collection tools in the research. For the analysis of quantitive data in the study, frequency, percentage and arithmetic avarages were calculated using the SPSS 21 package program. Content analysis was used in the analysis of qualitative data. It was determined that teachers find Instagram, Youtube, Whatsapp and Pinterest useful in terms of their professional development. It has been found that social media helps teachers to see things from multiple viewpoints, keep up with innovations, access diverse activities, advance their knowledge and abilities and access activities for all developmental domains. It has been determined that teachers share their posts on social media in order to be useful for their collegues and for informational purposes It was concluded that the use of social media facilitated the implementation of the preschool education program and enriched the learning environment.

Use of Social Media and Websites by students of Pharmacy

Background: Social media sites are widespread among both young and older adults for purpose of networking, sharing, and marketing. They are a way for individuals to connect with others and share similar interests and values. The purpose of our study was to evaluate social media use among pharmacy students at distance campus sites to determine student preferences for ways in which social media can be used within the pharmacy curriculum. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the professional use of social media, databases, and applications by pharmacy college students. Methods: A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from pharmacy college students by using Google forms. Findings: The survey was collected from 200 responses (108 male & 92 female) from pharmacy college students. Conclusion: According to the survey in this study, the pharmacy students are knowing social media, pharmacy websites, pharmacy apps, and databases. Pharmacy college student needs to expand the use of social media for professional development most preferably to obtain information regarding continuing education opportunities through these pharmacy websites, pharmacy apps, and database.

Helping fourth year student pharmacists develop their professional brand

Background and purposeBuilding a professional brand is an important skill for student pharmacists, as this could provide them with a competitive edge given the current market environment and employment opportunities. One way to do this is through developing a personal digital brand. A pilot program was created to introduce fourth year pharmacy students to the basics of personal branding and positive uses of social media for professional development and networking. Educational activity and settingA two-part workshop series was developed to introduce student pharmacists to the concept of personal digital branding and to help them optimize their professional documents (i.e. curricula vitae, resumes, and letters of intent). The workshops were offered in a virtual format and involved subject matter experts as well as alumni stakeholders. Students were asked to participate in pre- and post-surveys relating to their perceptions of professional branding and the usefulness of the workshop series. FindingsPrior to the workshops, students expressed a moderate interest in using social media for professional purposes, yet few felt confident in how to do so. Following the workshops, students indicated the information provided had been beneficial, and they all had action plans for developing their social media profiles and revising their professional documents. SummaryInitial findings suggested students are interested in and would benefit from training on professional branding. While this first attempt at such programming had limitations, such as being delivered to a small sample, the results provide insights for expanding and improving these offerings in the future.

An examination on the views of preschool teachers on the use of social media for professional development

Social media creating a feeling of freedom in getting news, providing rapid access to information, and transforming its users into content producers in line with its usage purposes is a source of inspiration for many individuals from many professional fields. After the pandemic pandemic, teachers are among the user profiles that actively use social media. The purpose of this study is to examine the views of preschool teachers on the use of social media for professional development. The research was designed with the qualitative research method and case study. The sample of this study consists of twenty-five early childhood education teachers. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis technique. As a result of the data analysis, it was found that preschool preschool teachers used social media platforms for professional development and benefited from these platforms effectively. Teachers emphasize that social media has an important contribution to their professional development, but they also state that one should be careful against disinformation. It is recommended that teachers be provided with media literacy training and that teachers should be conscious about acting in accordance with children's rights and ethical principles when using social media for professional purposes.

Government College Librarian’s Use of Social Media for Professional Development in Sindh, Pakistan

This study examined the use of social media in professional development by government college librarians of Sindh. Professional development is an integral part of all professions. Librarians and information professionals are required to have up-to-date information and skills regarding their profession. A Quantitative survey was employed to conduct this study. The target population consisted of government college librarians of Sindh, Pakistan. The survey was administered online. The findings demonstrated that most college librarians are aware of the importance of social media and use social media networks in professional development-related activities. Furthermore, findings identified that YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook are the most frequently used social media platforms in professional development. The findings help to design guidelines and provide basic information and communication technology skills training programs for better use of social media and optimum utilization of online professional development opportunities.

Demographic profiling of Caribbean and United Kingdom student nurses' use of social media for professional development.

Most students are adept in using technology and have developed skills and confidence utilising SoMe for professional purposes. SoMe is used by both registered nurses and student nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the professional use of SoMe by student nurses in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the UK to guide, support and develop implementation of effective and appropriate use of SoMe for professional development. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by student nurses from the three countries. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The main reason for using social media among Caribbean participants was to watch videos or short clips whereas in UK it was downloading articles. Over 75% participants of all ages believed that social media was likely to help their career. There is no social media guidance for student nurses in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Our study demonstrated that social media is embedded in student nurses' professional development throughout their education, with some variation in their use by country. Despite the fundamental place that social media plays in student nurses' professional development, there is no national or international guidance on how student nurses should use social media for professional development.

Chapter 3: Genesis and Change in Physical Educators’ Use of Social Media for Professional Development and Learning

Purpose: This descriptive study investigates the genesis and change in physical educators’ social media use for professional development and learning. Method: Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 48 physical educators who had actively used various social media professionally for an extended period of time. The data were analyzed inductively and aligned to the basic psychological needs defined by self-determination theory: relatedness, autonomy, and competence. Results: Building relationships with a trusted network of people and opportunities to express their autonomy were important drivers in the participants’ genesis and continued use of social media. Developing competence at both the start and throughout their social media journey was also critical. Discussion/Conclusions: The findings provide a starting point for in-depth research on the motivational characteristics underpinning physical educators’ reasons for starting and continuing to use social media for professional development and learning, and how these might change over time based on different psychological needs.

Chapter 8: Research Ruminations and New Frontiers for Social Media Use for Professional Development and Learning in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy

This chapter compares and contrasts the findings of the preceding empirical monograph chapters. The findings from these chapters are addressed in terms of how they illustrate the positives, negatives, and tensions that can be associated with social media use for professional development and learning. Across the various chapters, similarities in findings as well as apparent contradictions are discussed. By illuminating the potential and the perils of social media use and misuse, a pragmatic summary of the findings can inform wise use and nonuse of social media for professional development and learning by those involved in the field of physical education and sport pedagogy. Although prior literature and this monograph have begun to address some aspects of social media use in physical education and sport pedagogy, much remains to be explored. Topics, social media tools, methods, and theory that could be taken up or expanded upon in future research to advance the field are suggested.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Social Media for Professional Development and Learning in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy

Social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Voxer, Instagram, etc.) have become platforms for self-directed professional development and learning (PDL) for many educators, including physical educators and sports coaches. The aim of this chapter is to provide an introduction to this current monograph on physical educators’ and sports coaches’ social media use for PDL by presenting key issues and relevant literature, and previewing the chapters to follow. The chapter begins with a background discussion of social media, followed by brief literature reviews of PDL research in education and physical education and sport pedagogy, and research on social media use for PDL. Next, an overview of key theories and concepts used within the monograph is provided. The chapter concludes with individual summaries of the six empirical chapters of the monograph.

Chapter 2: Perceived Benefits and Challenges of Physical Educators’ Use of Social Media for Professional Development and Learning

Purpose: This study investigated the benefits and challenges described by physical educators who had actively used social media professionally for an average of more than 6 years. Method: The data were collected through semistructured individual and focus group interviews, with an international sample of physical educators (N = 48). The data were analyzed through an open coding process to develop themes. Results: Diverse benefits and challenges associated with social media use were identified and organized in alignment with a social ecological model. The benefits included enhanced knowledge, skills, teaching, student learning, and access to professional community. The challenges included managing the quantity of available content, the risks of context collapse, and navigating the cultures and discourse of online spaces. Discussion: A deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of physical educators’ social media use can enable stakeholders to act in more strategic ways as they navigate the promise and the peril of social media.

Use of Social Media for Professional Development by Physical Educators Who Teach Students with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Faced with a lack of formal professional development, physical educators are turning to social media networks (SMN) to access professional communities and informal professional development. Yet, to what extent physical educators who teach students with disabilities are using SMNs for PD purposes is currently unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how physical educators who teach students with disabilities are using SMNs for professional development purposes. Online survey data was collected from 94 participants. Descriptive statistics were reported and SMN usage patterns were examined by age, gender, and previous professional development experience. Results showed that a variety of SMN platforms were used by participants to receive information on a range of topics (e.g., instruction, equipment). The potential of SMN for professional development in the field of adapted physical education and future research recommendations are discussed.

Reflexiones sobre la integración de Twitter en educación superior a partir de una experiencia educativa con estudiantes de maestro

<p>El uso de los medios sociales en educación ha sido ampliamente discutido en la literatura y se han propuesto diversas experiencias educativas en educación superior para lograr que los estudiantes las valoren no sólo como herramientas informales para la comunicación, sino también como potentes apoyos para el aprendizaje autorregulado, y en particular, en los estudios de formación docente inicial, a nivel profesional, para el aprendizaje permanente y su uso didáctico futuro. En este trabajo se analizan las luces y sombras del uso de Twitter para el aprendizaje en educación superior a través de una revisión de literatura y de la exploración de diversos diseños didácticos implementados en varios cursos académicos consecutivos con estudiantes de maestro cuyas variaciones han sido planificadas siguiendo el modelo de la investigación basada en diseño. Los objetivos de investigación que han guiado las sucesivas implementaciones y evaluaciones del diseño didáctico han permitido que la recogida de datos pudiera hacerse desde una perspectiva multidimensional, observando la actividad del alumnado para la gestión de la información, en concreto para selección y compartición de recursos así como identificar ciertas dificultades para verdadera actividad metacognitiva sobre el aprendizaje. Las conclusiones aportan elementos de discusión sobre las implicaciones del uso de los medios sociales para el aprendizaje, y ofrecen recomendaciones para iniciativas en contextos institucionales y para el diseño de propuestas basadas en el modelo de autorregulación del aprendizaje cuya finalidad pueda ser la verdadera transformación individual y colectiva.</p>

Social-media-enabled learning in emergency medicine: a case study of the growth, engagement and impact of a free open access medical education blog

BackgroundClinicians are increasingly using social media for professional development and education. In 2012, we developed the St.Emlyn’s blog, an open access resource dedicated to providing free education in the field...

Use of Social Media for Professional Development by Health Care Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey

BackgroundSocial media can be used in health care settings to enhance professional networking and education; patient communication, care, and education; public health programs; organizational promotion; and research.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the use of social media networks for the purpose of professional development among health care professionals in Saudi Arabia using a purpose-designed Web-based survey.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey was undertaken. A link to the survey was posted on the investigator’s personal social media accounts including Twitter, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.ResultsA total of 231 health care professionals, who are generally social media users, participated in the study. Of these professionals, 70.6% (163/231) use social media for their professional development. The social media applications most frequently used, in the descending order, for professional development were Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and LinkedIn. The majority of respondents used social media for professional development irrespective of their age group, with the highest proportion seen in those aged 20-30 years. Social media were perceived as being most beneficial for professional development in terms of their impact on the domains of knowledge and problem solving and least helpful for enhancing clinical skills. Twitter was perceived as the most helpful type of social media for all domains listed. Respondents most frequently reported that social media were useful for professional development for the reasons of knowledge exchange and networking.ConclusionsSocial media are frequently used by health care professionals in Saudi Arabia for the purposes of professional development, with Twitter most frequently used for this purpose. These findings suggest that social media networks can be powerful tools for engaging health care professionals in their professional development.

Use of Internet and social media as a new communication medium among nurses

This study was planned with the aim of determining the usage of the Internet and social media among the nurses at the Centre of Health Research and Practice at the University of Mersin, in addition to investigating its contribution to their professional development and evaluating the usage of social media in an ethical perspective. Nurses as an employee group work very closely with society and provide services to healthy and ill individuals. They have been increasingly using both Internet and social media sources while undertaking their roles. This study is a descriptive study. A questionnaire was supplied to 260 nurses who were on duty at the hospital while the data was being collected and who agreed to participate in the research. The data acquired was analyzed using the statistical methods of arithmetic averages, percentages, standard deviations (SD) and chi-square (X2). The results were evaluated using a confidence interval of 95%, with a level of significance of p<0.05. The nurses who stated that they use the Internet comprised 259 of the 260 nurses that participated, while 83.8% of them used social media. According to this study, the usage of the Internet and social media for professional development is also common. The majority of the nurses accept that the usage of social media has various risks and state that there is a need for informative studies directed towards more effective usage of these tools.

Translating Evidence Into Practice via Social Media: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BackgroundApproximately 80% of research evidence relevant to clinical practice never reaches the clinicians delivering patient care. A key barrier for the translation of evidence into practice is the limited time and skills clinicians have to find and appraise emerging evidence. Social media may provide a bridge between health researchers and health service providers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of social media as an educational medium to effectively translate emerging research evidence into clinical practice.MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods approach. Evidence-based practice points were delivered via social media platforms. The primary outcomes of attitude, knowledge, and behavior change were assessed using a preintervention/postintervention evaluation, with qualitative data gathered to contextualize the findings.ResultsData were obtained from 317 clinicians from multiple health disciplines, predominantly from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, India, and Malaysia. The participants reported an overall improvement in attitudes toward social media for professional development (P<.001). The knowledge evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge after the training (P<.001). The majority of respondents (136/194, 70.1%) indicated that the education they had received via social media had changed the way they practice, or intended to practice. Similarly, a large proportion of respondents (135/193, 69.9%) indicated that the education they had received via social media had increased their use of research evidence within their clinical practice.ConclusionsSocial media may be an effective educational medium for improving knowledge of health professionals, fostering their use of research evidence, and changing their clinical behaviors by translating new research evidence into clinical practice.

The acceptability among health researchers and clinicians of social media to translate research evidence to clinical practice: mixed-methods survey and interview study.

BackgroundEstablishing and promoting connections between health researchers and health professional clinicians may help translate research evidence to clinical practice. Social media may have the capacity to enhance these connections.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore health researchers’ and clinicians’ current use of social media and their beliefs and attitudes towards the use of social media for communicating research evidence.MethodsThis study used a mixed-methods approach to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Participation was open to health researchers and clinicians. Data regarding demographic details, current use of social media, and beliefs and attitudes towards the use of social media for professional purposes were obtained through an anonymous Web-based survey. The survey was distributed via email to research centers, educational and clinical institutions, and health professional associations in Australia, India, and Malaysia. Consenting participants were stratified by country and role and selected at random for semistructured telephone interviews to explore themes arising from the survey.ResultsA total of 856 participants completed the questionnaire with 125 participants declining to participate, resulting in a response rate of 87.3%. 69 interviews were conducted with participants from Australia, India, and Malaysia. Social media was used for recreation by 89.2% (749/840) of participants and for professional purposes by 80.0% (682/852) of participants. Significant associations were found between frequency of professional social media use and age, gender, country of residence, and graduate status. Over a quarter (26.9%, 229/852) of participants used social media for obtaining research evidence, and 15.0% (128/852) of participants used social media for disseminating research evidence. Most participants (95.9%, 810/845) felt there was a role for social media in disseminating or obtaining research evidence. Over half of the participants (449/842, 53.3%) felt they had a need for training in the use of social media for professional development. A key barrier to the professional use of social media was concerns regarding trustworthiness of information.ConclusionsA large majority of health researchers and clinicians use social media in recreational and professional contexts. Social media is less frequently used for communication of research evidence. Training in the use of social media for professional development and methods to improve the trustworthiness of information obtained via social media may enhance the utility of social media for communicating research evidence. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of social media in translating research evidence to clinical practice.

Social media for professional development and networking opportunities in academia

The research reported on in this article explores the use of social media for work-related or professional purposes. In particular, it focuses on the perceptions and use of social media by academics in the UK. The purpose of the research was to explore the potential social media has to facilitate the changing landscape of higher education and support the individual academic in their role. Of particular interest is how specific social media tools are being used to enhance networking opportunities and contribute to career progression. The use of social media was explored in detail through interviews and a survey. Typical activities that are currently being undertaken were identified and user group profiles developed that articulate different levels of engagement with these tools and the motivations that each group of users have for using social media. The study found that, with increasing levels of activity, the number of motivations for using social media increase, as does the perceived number of successful outcomes, including contributions towards career progression. The main barriers to using social media were identified as a lack of time and skills to undertake these activities, as well as a negative perception of social media. Recommendations for increasing participation are to provide practical training, including the sharing of good practice, and to initiate dialogues within institutions regarding the potential career progression opportunities that social media may afford.

Teachers Are Doing It For Themselves: using social media for professional development and advocacy

Teachers Are Doing It For Themselves: using social media for professional development and advocacy

Librarians’ Use of Social Media for Professional Development in Nigeria

This paper examined the use of social media for professional development by librarians in Nigeria. The study was carried out using the survey research method. The study population was made up of 1294 registered members of Nigerian Library Association Online Forum. Random sampling technique was used in selecting 297 respondents for the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaire. Findings from the study revealed that online discussion forums such as NLA online forum, online social networks such as Facebook and Wikis were mostly used for professional development, while others such as podcast and book marking tools were used minimally. Librarians were also found to learn mostly by reading through the conversations of others and joining discussion groups. Based on the findings, the study concluded that librarians in Nigeria actively seek means of professional development using social media and recommends among others, that the use of social media applications such as podcast and bookmarking tools be explored as they could also contribute to professional learning/development.