The use of social media to enhance collaborative learning in Tanzania higher learning institutions

Social media has gained greater acceptability in the world societies and has probably become the most important communication tool among higher level education students. Studies have shown most of higher learning students spending more time active on social media. This study intended to assess the students’ use of social media for collaborative learning in Tanzania higher learning institutions. Questionnaires were sent to collect data from five higher learning institutions in Tanzania to fulfill the purpose of this study. The study found that, Tanzania higher learning students use social media for collaborative learning. The nature of use included sharing learning materials during and off class hours among groups. The study also found students collaborating with peers purposely for acquiring new knowledge and skills. However, the study found respondents indifferent on whether social media can become a perfect substitute of face to face learning environment.