An Assessment of the Use of Online Social Network Sites for Enhancing Computing Students’ Academic Activities

Abstract

Online Social Network Sites (SNSs) have no doubt contributed immensely towards communication as well as the educational pursuit of students in higher institutions of learning. Thus, SNSs enhance relationships amongst learners and their teachers, they improve learning motivation as well as facilitate collaborative exercises. In addition, the exchange of ideas, messages as well as real time communication amongst learners and teachers are facilitated. Thus, SNSs are believed to increase students’ academic activities as well as performance in educational institution. It is also believed that the use of SNSs adversely affect the academic performance of students. However, the use of online SNSs to boost students’ academic activities and performance is still at an infant stage and thus needs to be investigated. Aim: Based on this background, this paper investigates the impact of SNSs on the academic activities of Nigerian students. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria, between August and October, 2013. Methodology: A research questionnaire was designed for data elicitation. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 students (55 males and 45 females). Purposive sampling method was used. The respondents were chosen based on their relevance to the study, that is, only respondents that were registered with at least one social network site was allowed to participate in the study. The data collected was analyzed using simple percentage. Results: The major findings of the study were as follows: SNSs are frequently visited by students on a daily basis. The study revealed that female students use SNSs more than their male counterparts. Facebook is the most visited social networking sites among students. In addition, the study showed that SNSs are used for entertainment purposes, communication as well as academic purposes. The study showed that majority of the students use SNSs more for communication than for enhancing their academic activities. The study however revealed that SNSs can be used to enhance students’ reading skills and learning abilities through interactions with experienced professionals and colleagues. Conclusion: The study therefore concludes that although majority of students do not use social network sites to foster their academic activities, online social networks can facilitate the academic experiences of students by helping them to improve their reading skills and also providing an enabling environment for academic discussions through diverse interactions with professionals in their field.