This study investigated whether using social media in the classroom impacted student grades. Eight sections of an English class were divided into a control group that had in-class discussions only, and an experimental group that discussed course material on Twitter outside of class. The experimental group that used Twitter saw an increase in their average GPA compared to the control group. The findings suggest that continuing class discussions on social media outside of class time, unrestricted by location or time, can positively impact student learning and engagement as measured by semester grades.

1. Assessing the Impact Of
on Student Grades
Social Media
Jake Frasier / Florida State University

3. Social Media PLatform Usage
71%
22%
18%
17%
(PEW RESEARCH CENTER, 2013)

4. to investigate if utilizing
social media in the classroom
impacted student learning and
engagement, illustrated
by semester GPA
Purpose

5. Eight Sections of an Entry Level
English class at Florida State University

6. 4 Sections
HAD FACE TO FACE
D I S C U S S I O N

7. 4 Sections
DISCUSSED MATERIAL OUTSIDE OF CLASS
VIA TWITTER

8. GROUP A
experimental group
very comfortable or comfortable
with technology

9. G
experimental group
GROUP B
very comfortable or comfortable
with technology
control group
uncomfortable
with technology

10. T w i t t e r a l l o w e d f o r
CONTINUED CONVERSATION
outside the classroom
(JUNCO, HEIBERGER, & LOKEN, 2011)

11. Educationally Relevant Activities

12. Discussion of Class Assignments

13. Personal Reflection & Takeaways

14. Critical Questioning

15. Continued conversation
unrestricted by time

16. Continued conversation
unrestricted by time
(JUNCO, HEIBERGER, & LOKEN, 2011)
Increased GPA

17. Utilization of Twitter
F O R C O U R S E D I S C U S S I O N

18. Considerations

19. S TA K E H O L D E R S

20. Technology Integration

22. Online

23. Students
SOCIAL MEDIA
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