Use of Social Networking Sites for Learning Activities of Undergraduate Students of the Department of English and French, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina

Abstract

This study presents an investigation on the use of social networking sites for learning activities of undergraduate students of the department of English and French, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of awareness of social networking sites by undergraduate students of the department of English and French Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina, to identify the types of SNSs available to the undergraduate students of the department of English and French Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina and to investigate the influence of the use of SNSs on learning activities of undergraduate students of the department of English and French Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Katsina . The study adopted quantitative research method using descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprises of the undergraduate (100 level to 400 level) students of the Department of English and French, UMYUK who were 263 and enumerative sampling was used. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire and the data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (i.e., using simple frequency tables and percentage). The study found out that; the undergraduate students under study are aware of some but not all the available social networking sites which include Facebook, WhatsApp etc. Their learning activities were improved by using social networking sites through independent learning, compilation of assignments, online group discussions with colleagues, e.t.c. Among the challenges faced by undergraduate students of the Department of English and French include lack of awareness, lack of digital publicity and low computer literacy on the use of social networking sites for learning activities. Therefore, the study recommended the creation of awareness skills on the use of social networking sites by the university library, introduction of a sustainable education on the benefits as well as drawbacks of social networking sites by the authorities for developing learning activities of students and organizing seminars in various academic institutions to enlighten the students about the possible achievement of the use of social networking sites on their academic performance.