Acceptance of Social Media as a Learning Resource in Higher Education: A Case Study at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the acceptance of social media as a learning resource in higher education by Nursing and Radiography & Radiotherapy undergraduates in the University of Peradeniya. A Cross sectional survey research design was applied. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sample and 150 questionnaires were administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS and results were presented using descriptive statistics. Study findings showed that undergraduates are aware of the concept of social media and majority of them are using social media for entertainment and sharing contents. Study found that Face book and Youtube are the most preferred sites among the social media networks surveyed. Majority of undergraduates have positive perceptions on social media acceptance as well as use of social media as a leaning resource. Undergraduates showed their readiness to use social media as a learning resource in the study, but how it is being applied and the outcomes of using it within the university sector needs to be further researched.