The Utilization of Social Media for Educational Purposes by Primary School Teachers and Parental Involvement: Perceptions and Experiences

Abstract

This study explores the role of social media in education, focusing on its integration by primary school teachers in T & uuml;rkiye and its impact on educational quality. Using a quantitative approach, 146 randomly selected teachers were surveyed, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results indicate that teachers actively use social media for educational purposes, particularly to share teaching materials. First and second-grade teachers often employ social media for language lessons, while third and fourth-grade teachers primarily use it for mathematics instruction. Teachers view social media as a tool that enhances student engagement and believe their current usage is sufficient. The study highlights the advantages of social media in education, such as personalized learning and improved communication, but also points out concerns regarding exposure to inappropriate content and security risks. Additionally, social media plays a key role in facilitating parent-teacher communication. The findings suggest that comprehensive training, technical support, and guidance are essential for improving teachers' proficiency in using social media effectively in the classroom. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between social media and education, offering recommendations for policy and practice.