Teachers and the social networks: uses and motives

Authors

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/red.523561
Keywords: social media, teacher learning, informal learning, motivations, collaboration

Supporting Agencies

  • Esta publicación es parte del proyecto de I D i PGC2018-096474-B-I00, financiado/a por MCIN/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ “FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa”

Abstract

Social media provides informal learning opportunities that teachers use for their professional development. Through the analysis of data collected through a questionnaire answered by 447 teachers we have known which are the social networks that they use most for their learning, what differences exist in the use of these and what are the reasons that lead them to use them for their teaching work. When addressing the social networks that are most used, contrasts of mean differences have been made considering the nominal variables of sex, age and educational level in which it is taught. We find that teachers are motivated to use social networks to the extent that they represent a space to find digital resources, materials, video tutorials prepared by other teachers and that can be considered interesting. However, teachers do not usually turn to social networks to overcome the isolation they may feel, or to share worries or emotions or to ask for help from another classmate. In future research it will be necessary to investigate the extent to which the participation of teachers in social networks has an impact on the improvement of teaching practice and student learning.

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Published
09-01-2023
How to Cite
Marcelo-Martínez, P., Yot-Domínguez, C., & Marcelo, C. (2023). Teachers and the social networks: uses and motives. Distance Education Journal, 23(72). https://doi.org/10.6018/red.523561
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