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Top2. Social Networking In The Higher Education
In the 21st century, SN has become an essential tool that allows stakeholders ranging from individuals to organisations to communicate, connect, collaborate and cooperate with their peers, colleagues or community both locally and globally in order to exchange knowledge and useful information. Social networking websites and services include Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Wikis, Blogs and Podcasts, Instant Messaging, Mashups and Virtual World. They allow stakeholders to interact, intermingle, share and communicate, and to exchange opinions, advice and philosophies regarding numerous subjects (De-Marcos, Domínguez, Saenz-de-Navarrete, & Pagés, 2014; DeKay, 2009; Holmes & O'loughlin, 2014; Park, Kee, & Valenzuela, 2009; Waters, Burnett, Lamm, & Lucas, 2009).
The education sector in the Asia-Pacific region has started to integrate SN especially in assessments and learning/teaching activities. One reason for this implementation is that it allows students to become independent learners and enhance their professional and personal skills which are needed for their current studies and for their future in the workforce. Furthermore, the most important reason for this implementation is that SN can make classes more interactive, creative and engaging, fostering a friendly and close rapport between students and lecturer.
By the same token several authors (Durak, 2017; Gülbahar, Rapp, Kilis, & Sitnikova, 2017) indicate that using SN in higher education will enhance communication, collaboration, participation and sharing information and discussion with colleagues and peers. Furthermore, SN will promote and enhance critical thinking and decision making and facility personalized learning.