Influence of Social Media on English Language Students at Imo State University Owerri
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of the study are;
- To define the relationship between English proficiency and usage of social networking sites
- To investigate the relationship between self-perceived English proficiency and usage of social networking sites
- To ascertain the influence of the language of social media on the English language
- To ascertain the relationship between language of social media and academic performance
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Concept of Social Media
Social media has emerged as a term frequently used (and variously defined) to describe different types of communication platforms and electronic ways of interacting (Mozee, no date). Kaplan and Haenlein (2010) defined it as a:group of internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, allows the creation and exchange of user generated content and depend on mobile and Web based technologies to create highly interactive platforms through which individuals and communities share, create, discuss and modify user generated content. They refer to the internet-based social websites like the Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. which allow users to interactively communicate with one another. Social media can also refer to those “webbased and mobile-based technologies which are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue between organizations, communities and individuals (www.wikipedia). The media allow users to meet friends, exchange ideas, images, audios, videos and most importantly stay connected. Since through their inventions, they have become increasingly popular in different countries across the globe. Bryer and Zavatarro (2011) see social media as “technologies that facilitate social interaction, make possible collaboration, and enable deliberations across stakeholders”. Anjugu (2013) describes social media as “a group of internet-based applications that allow the creation and exchange of users generated content”, while Ezeahet al (2013) defines it as “modern interactive communication channels through which people connect to one another, share ideas, experiences, pictures, messages and information of common interest
Social media import and usage at university level
Various studies have dealt with social media availability and the new horizons they have created, especially for the youths (Lin et al., 2016). Out of these media, YouTube and Flickr are used to share visual materials, Facebook and Linkedin provide social networking, Wikipedia specializes in the development of collaborative knowledge and Twitter in microblogging (Balakrishnan & Lay, 2016). For Lin et al. (2016), social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, not only give users the possibility to generate information but also to share it with other users around the globe. In view of their proliferation and the possibilities they provide, researchers have called for the use of social media in the field of education (Everson et al., 2013; Greenhow & Robelia, 2009; Roblyer et al., 2010). Balakrishnan and Lay (2016) report that Facebook and YouTube have been used “within and outside classrooms for teaching purposes, such as to upload educational videos or learning materials for students”. Such action has been taken due to the popularity of these media among students who use them to complement and thus enhance their classroom learning due to their ease and speed of communication. Consequently, it can be argued that users’ attitudes depend on medium functionality and students’ environment. Attitude is, in turn, determined by users/students’ learning style.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Influence of social media on English language students. Imo State University Owerri form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Influence of social media on English language students in Imo State University Owerri. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing an Influence of social media on English language students
Summary
This study was on Influence of social media on English language students in Imo State University Owerri. Three objectives were raised which included: To define the relationship between English proficiency and usage of social networking sites, to investigate the relationship between self-perceived English proficiency and usage of social networking sites, to ascertain the influence of the language of social media on the English language and to ascertain the relationship between language of social media and academic performance. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Imo State University Owerri.. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while social media has the potential to enhance language learning experiences for English language students in Imo State University Owerri, it is essential to address its influence responsibly. By promoting digital literacy, maintaining a focus on formal language skills, and encouraging balanced language usage, educators can harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its potential drawbacks, thereby supporting students in their English language learning journey.
Recommendation
Recommendations:
- Digital Literacy Training: Incorporate digital literacy training into the curriculum to equip English language students with the skills to navigate social media responsibly. This training should focus on critical evaluation of online content, identifying reliable sources, and understanding the impact of language use on different platforms.
- Language Awareness Campaigns: Launch language awareness campaigns that highlight the differences between formal and informal language use. Educate students about the potential pitfalls of adopting social media language patterns in academic writing and encourage them to maintain a strong command of formal English language conventions.
- Integration of Social Media as a Learning Tool: Utilize social media platforms as educational tools by creating dedicated groups or pages where students can engage in language-related discussions, share resources, and practice language skills in an interactive and monitored environment.
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