Exploring students’ experiences of the role of virtual social networks in their teaching and learning

The purpose of this study was to explore students’ experiences of the role of virtual social networks in their teaching and learning. The present study was done using a qualitative and phenomenological approach in Ahvaz city in 2018. Sampling was done through purposive sampling method, and data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 12 students and 3 teachers who were active members of at least one virtual social network. Data analysis was done based on the seven stages of Colaizzi’s analysis. The main theme of facilitation of teaching and learning was extracted from data, and it included three sub-themes: “acquisition of media literacy”, “progress in education”, and “entrepreneurship and employment”. The results of this study identified the process of facilitating education and learning for students and showed that students use these networks to "acquire skills in cyberspace", "make progress in school" and "seek entrepreneurship and employment". These results can help the planning bodies in the country set the stage for familiarizing students with these networks by identifying the way they facilitate learning.