Social media and the teaching of Mathematics in a lifelong learning environment

• Main Authors: Ng , Richard, Latifah Abdol Latif
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/654/1/social_media_richard.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/654/
• Institution: Open University Malaysia

Sharing information and connecting with others has proven to be a powerful tool in education. Learners collaborate with each other through social media to learn more on certain subjects, to test and share out ideas and theories, to understand facts, and to solve problems among peers and teachers. At Open University Malaysia, all courses including mathematics are delivered via a blend of face-to-face tutorials; self-managed learning using the print/html modules and e-learning via the institution’s learning management system, MyVLE. Mathematics is one of the subjects most adult learners find challenging. Some learners develop a fear or phobia of mathematics either because of negative experiences in their past or lack of self-confidence. In an effort to improve the teaching of mathematics, Blog and Facebook are used. The main aim of using these social media is to establish social networks by fostering communication and knowledge exchange among learners, peers and tutors in a more informal manner. Such interaction among learners and tutors offer assistance, orientation and support and ultimately enhances the learning processes by creating a positive working atmosphere. This paper dwells on our experience in using social media to improve the teaching of mathematics in a lifelong learning environment. (Abstract by authors)