The Implementation of Social Media in an Open Distance Learning Context

Social media has become an important part in the provision and practice of open distance learning. An increasing number of universities and colleges over the world are using social media as their service delivery method. Despite the continued growth in the use and backing of social media in education; knowledge on the implementation of social media in an open distance learning environment is still not well integrated. In response to this research gap, the main aim of this paper is to explore the use of social media in an open distance learning context. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to examine the attributes of an open distance learner, and how they have evolved overtime in the era of technology; (2) to analyse the nature of open distance learning in the 21st century; (3) to address access to social media resources and tools by learners; and (4) to examine the role of social media in learner support, assessment and success rate. The paper will conclude with a discourse on best practices and a proposed framework on the implementation of social media within open distance learning to assist leaders within universities and colleges.