USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, AND INFORMATION SHARING OF THE FACULTY OF A STATE UNIVERSITY: A BASIS FOR CRAFTING ACADEMIC POLICIES

Christian  N. Escario,

USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, AND INFORMATION SHARING OF THE FACULTY OF A STATE UNIVERSITY: A BASIS FOR CRAFTING ACADEMIC POLICIES

Discipline: Higher Education Research

Abstract:

One of the growing issues brought about by the paradigm shift in education during the pandemic is misinformation, along with the use of social media by both teachers and students in blended learning. As a result, academic institutions may need to develop policy-driven guidelines for faculty use of social media for academic reasons. The current study looked into the usage of social media and information exchange among faculty members at the Quirino State University, Cabarroguis Campus. It also delved into their motivations for utilizing social media, how they manage what they post, and how social media may support the university's academic activities while maintaining truth and integrity. Data were collected using the convergent mixed approach from 24 convenience sampled individuals. Among the findings is that individuals utilizeD Facebook, YouTube, and Google Mail more frequently on a daily basis for academic information, general news, and health information exchange. This was subsequently corroborated by the participants' statements that they used social media mostly for academic objectives, information gathering, and socializing, among other things. Participants also shared their thoughts on factors to consider while sharing information on social media, such as following only reputable sources, relevant, fact-checking, and removing disinformation. The paper then suggests that these findings be incorporated into policies governing the use of social media in the academe.