Social Media as Positive Disruption in Education, E-Learning and B-Learning

Today, the preparation that learners receive in higher education often fails to meet the needs and demands of the world of work, research, and success. This chapter proposes that the changes social media is causing in the business world can be further leveraged in higher education to cultivate 21st century learners, primed for innovative thinking. A model is provided which scaffolds critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation through low cost/no-cost social media tools in educational and professional settings. At this time, social media’s capabilities and near ubiquitous access provide an essential infrastructure which has not been seen before. The chapter also presents specific strategies, valuable recommendations, and further direction for social media’s use