Social networks as ICT collaborative and supportive learning media utilisation in Nigerian educational system

Abstract

The paper investigated the social networks as ICT collaborative and supportive learning media utilisation within the Nigerian educational system. The concept of ICT was concisely explained vis-à-vis the social network concept, theory and collaborative and supportive learning media utilisation. Different types of social network are highlighted among which Facebook, Twitter, Messenger, Google use and Skype were the mostly utilised among the users particularly the students. Others were seldomly used by the users. The prospects of the social network media utilisation such as library services, classroom interaction, on-line questioning and other innovative applications viz: laboratory experiment and game for crosswords puzzle are also vividly discussed. Challenges such as erratic power supply, poor internet facilities, financial constraints and mismanagement, low bandwidth, among others are concisely explained. However, recommendations such as proper orientation for the teachers and students on the social network utilisation, among others are proffered for the improvement in the social network media utilisation by the students and teachers for the collaborative and supportive learning activities within the Nigerian Educational System.

Keywords: Social networks, Media utilisation, Collaborative and supportive learning ICT, Nigerian educational system