Abstract

MOLOTSI, Abueng Rachael. Social networking as teachers' innovative mode to enhance teaching: A case study of teachers in Bojanala District North-West Province. IJTL [online]. 2021, vol.16, n.2, pp.57-70. ISSN 2519-5670.

Social networking is increasingly becoming a popular platform that helps teachers connect with their colleagues, learners and other professionals globally. This tool enables communication and strengthens ties by sharing information over the internet. The purpose of this research was to explore secondary-school teachers' experiences of using social networking tools as an innovative mode to enhance teaching. This paper is founded on a qualitative research approach to understand teachers' experiences of using social networking tools in their teaching. Drawing from Vygotskian social constructivist theory, the account for the use of social networking tools was understood. Eight secondary-school teachers were purposefully sampled to share their practical experiences of using these tools. Data were generated using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The thematic data-analysis process was suitable for this study. The data coding led to the formation of themes. The research questions used to guide this study were (i) How do secondary-school teachers use social networking tools to enhance teaching? and (ii) What support do secondary-school teachers receive for integrating social networking tools in teaching? The findings revealed secondary-school teachers' limited knowledge of using social networking tools to enhance teaching. It is recommended that teachers be provided with undisrupted internet connection. That would enable them to interact and share information using social networking tools. Teachers should be trained on the use of social networking tools, and this training should include the three components of Vygotsky's zone of proximal development: more knowledgeable other, social interaction and scaffolding.

Keywords : connectivism; experiences; innovative; internet; social networking tools; secondary-school teachers.

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