Document Type
Article
Department
Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
Abstract
This study investigates the benefits of integrating the social media platform specifically WhatsApp into an educational leadership development program in Kenya. Focusing on a cohort of participants in the blended-learning Diploma in Educational Leadership Management (DELM) program, which combines face-to-face, Zoom-enabled online classes, self-paced modules and Moodle assessments, the research explores the value that WhatsApp can add to facilitate peer collaboration and resource approach, sharing. including A the mixed-methods Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) design, was employed to comprehensively understand the factors influencing educational leaders' engagement within the platform. The study first assessed participants' current level of digital skills through pre-intervention data collection. It then examined how WhatsApp was utilized within the DELM program and identified opportunities for its more effective integration. The results indicate that integrating WhatsApp into the blended learning program fostered collaborative learning and resource sharing among participants. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in their collaborative skills and ability to envision practical applications of WhatsApp for learning, as evidenced by a substantial increase in self-reported digital proficiency by 0.192, t (25) =17.874, p<0.001 following a training workshop on the platform used for learning. The data analysis further revealed fluctuations in user engagement based on course, content, and assessments, with higher activity on weekdays and evenings, suggesting the personalized learning opportunities offered by the WhatsApp platform. These findings contribute to the current understanding of harnessing the power of social media for educational leadership learning. The research highlights the potential of WhatsApp to enhance blended learning experiences, boost digital literacy, and provide personalized learning opportunities. The study recommends establishing dedicated groups, leveraging multimedia, capabilities, and providing comprehensive digital competence training as strategies for effective WhatsApp integration and successful implementation. The findings therefore provide a basis for policymakers to develop effective blended learning communities necessary for improved organizational capacity of educational leaders in Kenya and similar contexts.
Publication (Name of Journal)
International Journal of Education & Social Sciences (IJESS)
Recommended Citation
Nyarieko, G. N.,
Nicholas, W.
(2024). Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Opportunities for Learning and Professional Development among Educational Leaders. International Journal of Education & Social Sciences (IJESS), 5(8), 1085-1104.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_ied/226
