Improving Social Media Literacy Through Experiential Learning: Examining Youth Learners' Engagement and Knowledge Outcome in a Simulated Learning Environment (Poster 7)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Four
  In Poster Session: Digital Learning and Development

Abstract

Social Media TestDrive is an online educational program designed to improve youth’s social media literacy and digital citizenship skills. It was built based on the concept of experiential learning. The simulated environment enabled learners to explore social media in an authentic context to practice their social media literacy skills. This study examined how learners’ engagement patterns in the program affect learning outcomes, after controlling the effects of learners’ characteristics. We analyzed the survey, log data and knowledge outcomes from 150 youth participants. The findings highlight the importance of active participation in achieving better outcomes during the key phases of experiential learning, and provide practical implications for the improvement of instructional design to enhance experiential learning.

Authors

• Wenting Zou, Pennsylvania State University
  Presenting Author

• Amanda Purington, Cornell University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Philipp Masur, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
  Non-Presenting Author

• Natalya N. Bazarova, Cornell University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Janis L. Whitlock, Cornell University
  Non-Presenting Author