Title: Social media and higher education: introversion and collaborative learning from the student's perspective

Authors: Ronald J.J. Voorn; Piet A.M. Kommers

Addresses: University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Abstract: The aim of this study is to understand how social media contribute to face-to-face collaborative learning by introvert students in higher education. A total of 233 students participated. This study shows that more introvert students perceive that social media are more helpful for increasing their collaborative learning performance and self-confidence. These students feel that their true nature is hampered in face-to-face contact and prefer to communicate via social media rather than face-to-face communication. Additionally, all students in this study signal that they wish their educators to make more use of social media. HE institutions are therefore recommended to make more use of social media to enhance collaborative learning.

Keywords: social media; higher education; introversion; collaborative learning; higher learning; computer mediated learning; self-confidence; Web 2.0 learning; real self; true nature; introvert students; extrovert students; student performance; learning styles; preferences; learning environment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMILE.2013.051650

International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments, 2013 Vol.1 No.1, pp.59 - 73

Received: 25 Aug 2012
Accepted: 26 Aug 2012
Published online: 28 Feb 2014 *

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