A new study from the University of Texas at Austin examines whether, and to what extent, social media can enhance participants’ experience in a MOOC. Researchers looked at how MOOC participants used a Facebook group and Twitter feed associated with a MOOC course, and what they found to be the most useful aspect of the social media platforms. Findings indicated that the social space created by social media generally enhanced the learning experience. While one third of respondents did not find the platforms useful for their learning, other respondents found the tools “can augment the learning experience by providing an environment to share resources, connect with others, enhance communications, and post personal feelings or reflections of learning in an informal and quick manner.”
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08923647.2016.1120584