The Role of Social Media Platforms in Encouraging Collaborative Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

Universities play a central role in the development of higher education, emphasizing active participation and collaboration in the learning process. In the era of advancing information technology, the role of social media is increasingly recognized as a potential tool to enhance interaction and collaboration among students and educators. However, the actual role of social media platforms in supporting collaborative learning in higher education remains a research focus that requires a deeper understanding. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the role of social media in the context of collaborative learning in universities by focusing on the background, objectives, methods, findings, discussions, and conclusions. With the rapid growth of social media usage among students and educators, this research contributes both theoretically and practically to higher education institutions. The adopted research method is qualitative, involving students, lecturers, and other relevant parties engaged in collaborative learning through social media. Data is collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Data analysis employs a thematic analysis approach, and validity is reinforced through triangulation. The research findings indicate that the effective use of social media platforms in facilitating discussions, collaboration, and feedback contributes to the development of digital skills, digital literacy, and student engagement. These platforms also open up global access, overcome geographical barriers, and support the development of professional networks. These findings pave the way for further consideration of the integration of social media in learning strategies at universities. This research contributes not only to the academic understanding of the role of social media in collaborative learning in higher education but also provides a foundation for the development of more modern and responsive educational practices. Through this exploration, we can better grasp the potential of social media platforms to enhance the quality of collaborative learning in the futur