A recent study highlights the growing role of social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube in the academic and informal learning activities of Dhaka University (DU) students. The research, conducted from January to December 2022 by Saiful Islam and A B M Najmus Sakib, was published in Teacher's World: Journal of Education and Research.
The study employed a mixed-method approach involving 130 DU students through surveys and interviews, focusing on Social Learning Theory (SLT), which underscores learning through observation and modeling.
Key findings reveal that Facebook is vital for academic purposes, with 92.3% of respondents using it to attend online classes, share academic materials, and engage in group discussions. The platform also facilitates collaborative learning by enabling students to share course content and class lecture links.
In contrast, YouTube dominates informal learning, with 79.2% of students turning to it for diverse educational content. Popular channels like 10 Minute School and Farjana Drawing Academy offer tutorials on topics ranging from spoken English to graphics design. Many students regard YouTube as an invaluable educational resource, describing it as "the teacher of all teachers."
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted the reliance on social media for education, replacing traditional classrooms during lockdowns. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube became essential for coursework and virtual group discussions, underscoring the need to integrate social media into formal education systems.
Demographic insights show that most respondents are aged between 20 and 22, spanning undergraduate to postgraduate levels, demonstrating the cross-tier impact of social media on education.
The study recommends further research on other platforms like LinkedIn and WhatsApp to understand their role in education and to assess the long-term effects of social media on learning outcomes.
This study showcases the profound influence of Facebook and YouTube on students’ educational journeys, reshaping learning in Bangladesh.
