Social Media Sites as Learning Environments among Undergraduate Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate knowledge acquisition through the Internet and social media among male and female undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The study identified the types of social media sites used by undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); it examined and explored the kinds of learning by the female and male students of OAU on social media and the types of social media used; and highlighted the opposing sides and benefits of these social media sites to the student's learning. The descriptive survey design was employed for this study, and quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather and analyse data. The population for the study consisted of all the undergraduates in the 14 faculties at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Four faculties were selected, and from each faculty, one department was selected using a simple random sampling technique making four departments. From each department, 60 students were selected using a convenient sampling technique, making up 240 respondents. For the qualitative aspect, from each of the departments already selected, three male and three female undergraduates were selected using a purposive sampling technique making a total number of 24 undergraduates. Two instruments were used for the study:  a self-designed questionnaire and an interview guide. The data were analysed using frequency distribution, percentage scores, mean and standard deviation, and content analysis. The findings showed that the knowledge acquired through social media differed between the sexes of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife undergraduates. The social media sites used by male and female undergraduates were almost identical. However, there were differences concerning their aims and purposes for using these social media sites.