From Likes to Learning: Innovative Strategies for Using Social Media to Boost Gen Z Academic Performance

Titi Prihatin; Ghanis Putra Widhanarto; Ali Formen; Seftia Kusumawardani

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jpes.001632

Authors

Titi Prihatin
titiprihatin@mail.unnes.ac.id
Universitas Negeri Semarang https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6675-3222
Ghanis Putra Widhanarto Universitas Negeri Semarang https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7440-7282
Ali Formen Universitas Negeri Semarang
Seftia Kusumawardani Universitas Negeri Semarang

Keywords:

Online Learning, Quantitative Study, Social Media Skills, Student Engagement, Teacher Training

Abstract

The existing literature acknowledges the potential of social media to enhance online learning, but a significant gap exists in comprehensively understanding how teachers' specific social media skills directly influence the quality of online learning experiences and student outcomes. This research examines how teachers' social media skills relate to their perceptions of online learning quality, focusing on both the predictive influence of these skills and their correlation with teachers' evaluations of online learning. This quantitative study, utilizing surveys and statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression, investigates the relationship between teachers' social media skills (independent variable) and the quality of online learning (dependent variable), confirming the validity and reliability of the instruments used through content and construct validity assessments and Cronbach's alpha values. The result finds that teachers' social media skills have a positive impact on the quality of online learning, as well as student engagement and interaction. Educational institutions can support teachers in enhancing their online teaching by providing training on the effective use of social media tools and platforms. This study implies that investing in teachers' social media skills training can significantly enhance the quality of online learning experiences and student engagement in the digital age.

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Author Biographies

Titi Prihatin, Universitas Negeri Semarang

is a faculty member in the Educational Technology Study Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Universitas Indonesia and specializes in innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development. Her research explores technology integration in classrooms and teacher training effectiveness, particularly for marginalized learners. She is actively involved in educator professional development and community service initiatives. (email: titiprihatin@mail.unnes.ac.id).

Ghanis Putra Widhanarto, Universitas Negeri Semarang

is a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Indonesia, specializing in educational technology and teacher professional development. His research focuses on MOOC-based microlearning and digital tools to enhance teacher competencies, particularly within the Merdeka Curriculum. He has published widely and contributed to academic books on educational technology. His work supports equitable access to education and aligns with global education goals. (email: ghanisputra@mail.unnes.ac.id).

Ali Formen, Universitas Negeri Semarang

is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) at Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia. His expertise includes child development, early literacy, and innovative pedagogical practices. He actively contributes to curriculum development, teacher training, and collaborative research aimed at improving early childhood education quality. He also integrates educational technology into learning environments. (email: ali.formen@mail.unnes.ac.id).

Seftia Kusumawardani, Universitas Negeri Semarang

is an academic at Universitas Negeri Semarang, specializing in Educational Technology. Her research focuses on competency-based education, digital literacy, and innovative tools such as augmented reality in early childhood learning. She also studies the role of social media in online education quality. Currently pursuing a master’s degree at Universitas Sebelas Maret, she is active as a research assistant in educational technology. (email: seftiakusumawardani@student.unnes.ac.id).

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