The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Learning Outcomes: A Case Study of Shree Tribhuvan Secondary School, Dailekh, Nepal

Abstract

Social media is used increasingly by students all around the world, which is shifting the way they access information, contact with friends and join in academic activities. This research study is an attempt to examine the usage of social media in learning procedure of the students of Shree Tribhuvan Janata Secondary School, Dailekh district of Karnali Province, Nepal with special reference to its efficiency, educational advantages and issues. This study employed a mixed method research technique, standardized and structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative as well as qualitative data from 100 secondary level students and 20 teachers of the school. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group interviews, discussions and recorded document analysis. The results show that the students of the school regularly use platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp for free time and leisure period, academic objectives; such as gaining information, cooperative learning and accessing educational resource and materials. Social media can improve students’ engagement, inspiration and self-directed education and learning, but there are challenges such as variation of access to tools, technology, distraction, misrepresentation and concerns about safety on the internet and its privacy. The study suggests that social media can be a positive educational tool, provided the suitable direction, digital literacy and institutional support. The research presents empirical evidence towards the function of social media in classroom learning especially in rural and resource limited educational scenarios.