ERIC Number: EJ1453407
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2331-186X
Social Media Use among Basic School Teachers in Ghana: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges
Cogent Education, v11 n1 Article 2310978 2024
Social media has increasingly become a vital tool for communication and collaboration in the global education sector, including Ghana. However, there is limited empirical research on the use of social media by basic school teachers in Ghana. This study explored the use of social media by this group of teachers, focusing on the associated opportunities and challenges. Using a descriptive survey design; an online questionnaire was administered to 1,014 randomly selected basic school teachers. The study found that Facebook and WhatsApp were the most used platforms. Teachers used social media for various purposes, including communication with colleagues, parents, and students; professional development; and resource sharing. However, concerns about the effects and challenges of social media use, such as addiction, time consumption, high data expenditure, cyberbullying, and unreliable internet access, were also identified. The findings provide valuable insights into the current state of social media use by basic school teachers in Ghana and improve our understanding of the potential benefits and challenges associated with its use in education. This study suggests that the Ministry of Education should develop guidelines and policies to ensure teachers' responsible and effective use of social media to improve teaching and learning in Ghana.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Social Media, Basic Skills, Barriers, Opportunities, Mass Media Use, Global Approach, Cooperation, Technology Uses in Education, Teacher Attitudes, Interpersonal Communication, Shared Resources and Services, Distance Education, Inservice Teacher Education, Teacher Education Programs
Cogent OA. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ghana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A