The potential of social media in the classroom in case of scarce resources: Students’ perspectives

Abstract

In a digital age, the question of using social media in the classroom has sparked interest from researchers and educators across the  globe. While the benefits of using technology in the classroom are unquestionable in developed countries (Klopfer, Osterweil, Groff and  Haas 2009), they are less obvious in developing countries. The present study explores the potential of using social media in contexts of  limited resources. Results from a questionnaire administered to higher education students at a university in Burundi show that students  are well-acquainted with widely used social media platforms, using them in their everyday activities. Students consider them excellent  vehicles for improving their language skills in both English and French. In regard to incorporating social media into the classroom,  students are very positive even though they are aware of the challenges this may pose. Based on the results, this study reflects on the  potential advantages to incorporating social media in classrooms with limited resources.