Impact of social media on teaching and learning, a case study of Wesco Demonstration Cluster of junior high schools

Abstract

Social media applications such as Facebook, YouTube etc. have become “a global consumer phenomenon” serving as a reliable platform for entertainment, various forms of communication and information access point. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of social media on Teaching and Learning among students of Wesley Demonstration cluster of JHS schools. Using Focus group discussions and feedback from respondents, an attempt is made to find relationship between the social media usage and academic performance. The potential and dangers of social media usage to the teaching and learning process is also addressed based on feedback from respondents. The study’s findings reveal the majority of respondents use social media to mainly communicate with family, friends, for entertainment and to a lesser degree, academic work. Education on the potential usage benefits is therefore needed to harness the full potential of social media as a platform for learning among young users. The awareness of harmful effects of social media platforms should also feature in any educational program for young learners and emphasized in order to protect them.