Exploring the Level of Utilizing Online Social Networks as Conventional Learning Settings in UAE from College Instructors’ Perspectives

Abstract

This research study aims to measure the level of accepting the Online Social Networking applications as an appropriate environment for learning in both of the social and the academic skills of undergraduate students in the UAE colleges from the instructors’ point of view. Moreover, this study investigates the social skills of undergraduate students and their learning attitudes through their use of social applications and webpages. Ten instructors from the City University College of Ajman were the participants of this research study. The paper followed a qualitative method of collecting and analyzing data through assigning a set of semi-structure interview with instructors and a number of observation sessions for their students. The results came up with a positive feedback about using online learning through social networking sites and applications. Both of the social and academic skills of students were improved positively.

Keywords: social networking, distance education, perspectives.