Title: Using social media to develop personal learning environments and self-regulated learning skills: a case study

Authors: Nada Dabbagh; Anastasia Kitsantas; Maha Al-Freih; Helen Fake

Addresses: Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Thompson Hall L047, 4400 University Dr., MS 5D6 Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, West Building 2001, 4400 University Dr., MS 6D2, Fairfax, VA 22030 4237 Lower Park Drive, Fairfax VA 22030, USA ' Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Thompson Hall L047, 4400 University Dr., MS 5D6 Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, West Building 2001, 4400 University Dr., MS 6D2, Fairfax, VA 22030 4237 Lower Park Drive, Fairfax VA 22030, USA ' Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Thompson Hall L047, 4400 University Dr., MS 5D6 Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, West Building 2001, 4400 University Dr., MS 6D2, Fairfax, VA 22030 4237 Lower Park Drive, Fairfax VA 22030, USA ' Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Thompson Hall L047, 4400 University Dr., MS 5D6 Fairfax, VA 22030, USA; College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, West Building 2001, 4400 University Dr., MS 6D2, Fairfax, VA 22030 4237 Lower Park Drive, Fairfax VA 22030, USA

Abstract: Personal learning environment or PLE is a relatively new concept that is premised on social media technologies and steadily gaining ground as an effective platform for student learning. PLEs are student-designed around each student's goals or learning approach requiring students to engage in self-regulated learning (SRL) to succeed. The aim of the present study is to examine how students create PLEs using social media and the extent to which they engage in SRL in the process. Five participants, two males and three females, participated in this study. Using a case study approach these participants were interviewed to uncover what processes of SRL they use while developing their PLE and whether social media are effective learning and development tools. The findings show that PLE development engages students in SRL particularly in the processes of goal setting, task strategies, self-monitoring and self-evaluation. The findings also revealed that participants reported being intrinsically motivated in using social media to create their PLE. The implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Keywords: social media; personal learning environments; PLEs; self-regulated learning; SRL; formal learning; informal learning; instructional design; learning skills; case study; goal setting; task strategies; self-monitoring; self-evaluation; intrinsic motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMILE.2015.072300

International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments, 2015 Vol.3 No.3, pp.163 - 183

Received: 03 Feb 2015
Accepted: 08 Apr 2015
Published online: 08 Oct 2015 *

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