Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The use of social networking platforms has become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of society, including education. This research project aims to explore the use of social networking to promote quality instruction in government among undergraduate students. With the growing popularity of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, educators have the opportunity to leverage these tools to enhance the learning experience for students. The research will involve implementing a social networking strategy specifically tailored to the government instruction course for undergraduate students. By utilizing platforms where students are already active, such as Facebook study groups or Twitter discussions, instructors can create a more engaging and interactive learning environment. This approach can help promote discussions, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among students, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the course material. Through the use of social networking, instructors can also provide additional resources, updates, and support to students outside of traditional classroom hours. This flexibility allows students to access information and assistance when they need it, fostering a more personalized and responsive learning experience. Furthermore, social networking platforms can facilitate communication between instructors and students, enabling timely feedback and guidance on assignments and coursework. In addition to enhancing student engagement and support, social networking can also promote collaborative learning among peers. By encouraging students to interact and share ideas online, instructors can create a community of learners who can benefit from each other's perspectives and insights. This collaborative approach can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve their communication abilities, and build a network of peers with whom they can exchange knowledge and experiences. Overall, this research project aims to investigate the potential of social networking in promoting quality instruction in government among undergraduate students. By harnessing the power of social media platforms, instructors can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment that fosters student engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Through this innovative approach, educators can enhance the educational experience for students and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their government studies and beyond.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Imo state university teaches around 24,000 students undertaking degrees, Masters, research, professional programmes and short courses making IMSU one of the top 15 most popular universities in Nigeria. Since its foundation in 1984, the University is very much associated with courses that are taught face to face which has become clear that within the context academic staff is finding it very difficult to determine the best ways to make use a model of teaching where the teacher controls and is at the centre of the process in order to reduce falling standard of education. The predicament on the falling standard of education in Nigeria had always been a matter of concern to the participants in the education industry. The missions of formal education is to broaden one’s mental horizons, develop the child’s talent, physical and mental intellectual skills, help to acquire vocational training and then develop healthy attitude and sense of belonging and to participate actively in family and community affairs (Duru 2011), but environment in which that mission exists is changing dramatically, because the world is today celebrating the improvements in communication technology which has broadened the scope of communication through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Modern Technology in communication no doubt has turned the entire world into a “Global village’’. Social networking tools are rapidly changing the communications landscape. Social networking helps people to be better informed, enlightened, and keeping abreast with world developments. In today higher education settings, instructors, students, and others collaborate make use of social networks. The influence of social networking on learning and teaching environments is growing more each year. Social networking applications can reinforce class material and positively influence discussions, and collaborative work. Social network technologies offer the capability to both receive and create content with the hope that a collective intelligence emerges.