Exploring the Use of Social Media on Teaching and Learning Science from Teachers and Students Viewpoint

According to scientific evidence, a social media in education and research for postgraduate students seems necessary. Since college students and faculty members are considered as the online platforms clients, the current study aimed at qualitatively analyzing the viewpoints of students and Universities professors toward the application of the online social media to learning and education sciences in University.
The current study was conducted using the qualitative content analysis methods. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method (n = 24). Data were collected through semi-structured deep interviews, recorded on audiotapes, transcribed, and then, analyzed. MaxQdata software version 10, according to the qualitative content analysis developed by Granheim and Lundman, was used for data analysis.
Data analysis led to the extraction of 279 codes, 15 sub-codes, six Sub-Categories, and Two main categories. The main categories included the perceived advantages of social networks in education and learning process (Four Sub-Categories, perceived disadvantages of social networks in education and learning process (Two Sub-Categories).
The use of virtual social networks in both education and learning process from the viewpoint of the teacher and student as the beneficiaries of this area is acceptable. Enriched web-based learning, despite the perceived obstacles and challenges, is suitable to facilitate, accelerate, and create creativity in the educational process.