Functionality of Social Media for Blended learning Courses at Higher Education Institution

Abstract

Majority of the students in this digital era have social media account. They use social media platforms to interact and collaborate with others. Many higher education institutions have used social media platforms to support online learning for blended learning courses. The study aimed to explore the functionality blocks of social media in learning at higher education institutions. Exploratory study was utilized in the study. Students who attended blended learning courses where the online learning was conducted via social media platforms were involved in the study. Census comprises of 101 students from five courses from five programs at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Branch were involved in the study. The study found that all 7 functionality blocks of social media functioned well in social media for learning. The seven functionality blocks were identity, conversations, sharing, presence, relationships, reputation, and groups.