Utilization of social media tools for knowledge sharing among staff and students at the University Of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Social media tools have great potential to enhance networking, collaboration, sharing of experiences and communication. This study aimed at examining the utilization of social media tools in knowledge sharing, with a view of proposing a framework for improving its utilization in public universities in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to examine the types of social media tools used for knowledge sharing at the University of Nairobi; to find out the purposes of social media tools by staff and students of the University of Nairobi; to examine the perception/attitude of students and staff at the University of Nairobi towards using social media tools in knowledge sharing; to establish the challenges faced by staff and students in using social media tools for knowledge sharing and to explore the policies regarding the use of social media tools at the university, make recommendations and propose a framework of improving the utilization of social media tools. The De Fleur model of communication was used. Mixed method approach was used with a case study design informing the study. The target population for this study was staff and students of the College of education and external studies at the University of Nairobi who were selected using purposive and systematic random sampling respectively. A total of 151 students and 6 staff formed the sample size. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. From the findings of the study, it is evident that social media tools are used in knowledge sharing for social and academic purposes. Similarly, it was noted that the social media tools such as Facebook, twitter, blogs, LinkedIn, My space, Skype among others, provide effective channels of knowledge sharing. The study concluded that University of Nairobi staff and students attach some value on social media tools as they use them. The study recommends that policymakers in the universities encourage students and staff to use social media in productive manner. It also recommends that information communication and technology (ICT) infrastructure be improved. Stakeholders should review costs for internet access, privacy enhancement, tracking of hackers and ensure use of proper language in social media tools. This would be the way forward in increasing the utilization of social media tools for knowledge sharing.