The Impact of Incorporating Social Media Platforms on Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Social Media and Social Spaces

Abstract

A Stage I Meta-analysis was conducted to explore the effectiveness of higher education applications of social media technologies when utilized as community of practice for formal learning. The purpose was to determine if online interactive communication technologies produced significant learning outcomes. A systematic literature search resulted in a sample of 15 representative quantitative studies from which 29 effect sizes were extracted and yielded a statistically significant weighted average effect size of 0.598, demonstrating that social media technologies benefited students on measures of academic achievement and offered significant learning support. In addition, three moderator variables were tested: field of study, software training, and peer interaction requirements. The practical implications of these results are discussed and future research recommendations are presented.

Authors

• Jeanette Novakovich, Concordia University

• Nicole Fournier-Sylvester, Concordia University - Montreal