Pre-service teachers’ conceptions on use of social media in social studies education.

Abstract

The use of social media is tremendously increasing trend for personal use. At the same time, social media are penetrating to the educational settings as well. Thus purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service social studies teachers’ conceptions on use of social media in social studies education; it is possible implications on social studies teacher education, social studies classroom and consequently citizenship education. Data were collected through open- ended interviews with 12 (6 female, 6 male) in a north western Turkish University. Designed as a qualitative study, data were analyzed inductively. Pre-service social studies perceptions regarding use of social media in social studies instruction were analyzed. According to data analysis, participants’ perceptions on use of social media differ both positive and negative. While some participants supported use of social media in social media instruction, some of them indicated some drawbacks to use it since possible negative effects on social studies and disadvantages for the students in social studies classrooms. Found negative and positive aspects and their probable implications to the social studies teacher education were discussed.