Social media - the web : the new hybrid for education enhancement

• Main Author: Zainal Abidin Hashim,
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/846/1/Social_media_zainal.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/846/

The emergence of internet-based social media has made it possible, in terms of space, time and frequency, to communicate with hundreds or even thousands of other people. Thus, the impacts of learning through social media has been greatly magnified globally. As such, social media is a hybrid element of learning mix between traditional and nontraditional sense. The content, timing and frequency of the social media-based learning mode exhibits free flow of information and knowledge regardless of boundaries and time. This stands in contrast to the traditional integrated learning paradigm where a high degree of control persist. Thus, social media enriches learning and heighten career prospects. For instant, the web helps institutions to refocus from teaching to learning and from teacher to student. Current higher education need to respond : does it make learning more accessible?, does it promote improved learning?, does it reduce per unit costs of education?. The web provides educational opportunities at workplace, community and home for those unable to attend college due to cultural, economic or social barriers. That is starting to change as educators have devise new ways to capitalize on web-based technology. Studies shows, through webs and internet tools, working adults relish the opportunities to pursue their studies and demonstrated similiar level of contacts and interactions as to regular classes. This paper intend to discuss further the success, contributions and ways of overcoming the cultural, economic and social barriers of higher education via the web. Deliberate on its implications as to lifestyle, career developments and the way forward of higher education in the future to cater for the working mass. (Abstract by authors)