Use of Social Media and Social Network Analysis for Mobile Learning

Abstract

Social media has currently become a ubiquitous communication tool in all facets of the society. It enables networks of communication channels to become available—linking us to networks of people, organizations, and information. The education sector is also benefiting from the growth of social media in areas such as mobile learning. Yet, despite its’ rapid growth and integration in mobile learning, research in this field is still relatively new, particularly in areas relating to investigation of social network analysis in mobile learning. Thus, the chapter focuses the discussion on the approaches of integrating social media for mobile learning and links it to appropriate learning theories and strategies. The chapter then taps into a case study of social network analysis and explains how it can be used to discover the dynamics of social roles in learning as well as participation levels in mobile learning. The chapter ends with a discussion on conclusions and future directions for future educators and researchers interested in the use of social media for mobile learning.