A model of influencing factors of online social networks for informal learning in research institutes

Abstract

Currently, online social networks (OSN) have become active collaborative learning and a popular e-learning platform for sharing knowledge. Informal learning is any form of learning that occurs outside the formal curricula of higher educational institutes. There is plenty of studies on the use of OSN for formal learning; however, the use of OSN for informal learning particularly by academic researchers got limited attention. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature. This research aims to examine the factors which motivate academic researchers to accept OSN as a platform for informal learning. Also, a technology, interactivity, individuality, and behavior (TIIB) model is proposed based on feedback from academic researchers from research universities. To achieve this aim, a quantitative study based on the theory of constructivism and technology acceptance model 3 (TAM3) is done. With 786 valid questionnaires received, the proposed model is tested and statistically evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. The study results showed that collaborative, interactive, communication, quality of information, and subjective norms are the major factors of the behavioral intention of academic researchers to use OSN for informal learning. The study suggests instructional recommendations containing important technological, individual, and interactive features that could be considered by practitioners to encourage the acceptance of OSN for informal learning. The results of this research guide OSN for informal learning education providers in terms of developing an effective platform for academic researchers.

Appendix

Construct
No.	Measurement items
Perceived usefulness
1	Using social media for informal learning improves my performance in my research activities
2	Using social media for informal learning increases my productivity in performing my research activities
3	Using social media for informal learning enhances my effectiveness in my research activities
4	I find social media for informal learning to be useful in my research activities
Perceived ease of use
5	It is easy to use social media to find research materials
6	It is easy to find people with common interests in social media
7	I do not have any problem to learn about social media sites’ features
8	Generally, I find it very easy to use social media
Perceived flexibility
9	Social media enable me to carry out my research activity at any time from any place
10	Social media enable me to access more research material conveniently
11	Social media support my research activity
12	Social media allow me to interact with other researchers flexibly
Facilitating conditions
13	The availability of WiFi enables me to use social media for informal learning easily
14	I have the time to use social media for informal learning in my research activity
15	My organization provides me with the needed knowledge to use social media for informal learning
16	Assistance to use social media for informal learning is available at my institution
Subjective
17	Most of my colleagues believe that using social media to share ideas will enhance our research output
18	Most of my colleagues believe that using social media shows that one is open to new ideas
19	Most researchers who are close to me expect me to interact with them on social media
20	Most researchers who are close to me expect me to use social media for informal learning
Self-efficacy
21	I have the skill to use social media for informal learning
22	I have the confidence in using social media for informal learning
23	I have enough knowledge/experience to use social media for informal learning
24	I can quickly figure out how to use social media for informal learning
Perceived enjoyment
25	I usually find sharing my knowledge about my research through social media to be enjoyable
26	Sharing my knowledge and information about my research through social media in the group is pleasant
27	I have fun sharing my knowledge and information about my research through social media
28	I feel excited while exploring more information about my research using social media
Information quality
29	Social media provide content that is easy to understand
30	Social media provide up to date content and information about my research
31	Social media provide the required content and information about my research
32	The information provided in social media is clear and unambiguous
Communication
33	I use social media to communicate with researchers globally
34	I use social media to communicate with my research partners
35	I use social media to communicate with experts in my research field
36	I use social media to communicate with other researchers in my research field to keep up to date
Interactive
37	I use social media to facilitate interaction with my research partners
38	I use social media to exchange knowledge more quickly with other researchers
39	I use social media to share my research knowledge with other researchers
40	I use social media to get feedback about my research from other researchers
Collaborative
41	I use social media to discuss my research method with other researchers
42	I use social media to discuss my research finding with other researchers
43	I use social media to facilitate collaboration with my research partner
44	I use social media to facilitate collaboration with my research respondents to collect the required data
Behavioral intention
45	I intend to use social media for informal learning in my research activities
46	I predict I would use social media for informal learning in my research activities
47	I plan to use social media for informal learning in my research activities
48	I intend to keep using social media for informal learning for my research activities
Use behavior
49	I use social media for informal learning in my daily research activities
50	I intensively use social media for informal learning in my research activities
51	I frequently use social media for informal learning in my research activities
52	I spend an average of 6 h per week using social media for informal learning in my research activities