The Role of Social Networks in the Organization of the Educational Process and Learning

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to conduct a survey among students and teachers of Russian universities, which will determine their general attitude to the use of social networks in education; to identify the functions of social networks from the perspective of respondents; based on the results of both stages of the study, to determine the role of social networks in the educational process. Students and teachers of four Russian universities (MGIMO University, Kuban State Technological University, North-Eastern Federal University, Russian State Social University) took part in the survey. A total of 500 students and 100 teachers were interviewed. The results of the first part of the study showed that the attitude of students and teachers towards the use of social networks in education is generally positive. Both groups of respondents noted the advantages of introducing social networks into the educational process and also stated their willingness to increase their use. When using social networks in education, students can fill in special forms to indicate social network accounts to be subsequently used. Also, the administration of group chats can be taken under the control of the university for the purpose of a more structured exchange of information/educational materials.