The Influence of Social Networks within Educational and Social Fields: A Comparative Study between Two Generations of Online Students

Ana Cristina García, Manuel Gil-Mediavilla, Ildefonso Álvarez and María de los Ángeles Casares
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Ana Cristina García: Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Isabel I, 09003 Burgos, Spain
Manuel Gil-Mediavilla: Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Isabel I, 09003 Burgos, Spain
Ildefonso Álvarez: Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Isabel I, 09003 Burgos, Spain
María de los Ángeles Casares: Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Isabel I, 09003 Burgos, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 23, 1-11

Abstract: New uses for social networks are emerging in educational fields offering endless materials for the teaching–learning process. Skills development therefore leads to an education focused on sustainable development. Proper use of social media is especially important to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 of the 2030 Agenda, which proclaims inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all—a trend that implies large data volumes that can be manipulated and adapted to the needs of each student, thus opening up new perspectives. This study aims to identify the differences between the use of social networks among students classed into two generations, X and Y. With that aim in mind, the results of a survey administered to 338 university students engaged in online studies showed significant differences, mainly in relation to social issues. Both generations nevertheless agreed on the benefits and uses of social networks within the academic field. The conclusions reaffirm the use of these resources for improving teaching and learning processes within online environments.

Keywords: digital technology; e-learning; social network; innovative pedagogical practices; higher education; generation gap; educational organization; socio-education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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