Research Article :
This research
investigates social media effect on the spelling abilities of students of
Federal College of Education Yola. The study is significant because it helped
in unveiling the negative effect of social media on students spelling
abilities. The intents of the study are to examine the effect of social media
on the students spelling ability, to find out the nature of effect social media
have on students spelling ability, to determine the number of hours spent by
students on social networking activities every day and to determine how social
media usage has affected students spelling ability. The social learning theory was adopted as the
theoretical framework. Survey was the research method used, using questionnaire
as the instrument which was conveniently and accidentally distributed among
respondents in the levels. The study established that virtual platforms (social
media) have negative effects on the spelling ability of students. Students
expend excessive period on social media events than their academics especially
the effect on the spelling ability of students during examination, when writing
letters and using social media platform such as Whatsapp, Twitter and
Facebook. The research generalized that
the usage of social media by students affects their spelling ability negatively
more especially when writing examination and letters, which in turn affects
conventional way of writing. The study however recommends that more time should
be channeled and spent on productive academic engagement and institutions
should come up with ways of harnessing such virtual platforms academically in
order to enhance students spelling ability since they are so addicted to social
media. No doubt contemporary technology in
communication seem to have turned the entire world into a Global village just
as emphasized by an English professor in the person of Marshall McLuhan years
ago. The birth of internet or World Wide Web (www) gave rise to the concept of
worlds interconnectivity fostered by Information And Communication Technology
(ICT) driven by international trade and investment. This also facilitated the
rise of the various social media platforms that have become integral to people
in respect of information. As it is today, the growth, adoption and usage of
technology offers tremendous benefits, advantages as well as disadvantages.
Virtual platforms popularly and professionally known as social media are known
for the facilitation of information sharing, enlightenment and the enhancement
of development issues across the globe regardless of distance and time, which
is the regular side. The popular believe today is that mankind has been exposed
to simpler and better ways of exhibiting things with the aid of technology.
Social media which include, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace,
Whatsapp messenger, blackberry messenger, Skype, Google talk, Google
messenger, are interactive virtual environments which propels and harness
cordialness through relationships built on the sites. In both
contemporary and primitive societies today, most people utilize these platforms
to interrelate with physical, virtual friends and connect with old
friends, share thoughts, ideas and feelings effectively and efficiently within
a short period of time. According to Asemah and Edegoh, (2012) the gradual
evolution and growth of technology has redefined and changed the world
immensely, this is evident in respect of how technological innovations are used
as best channels for exploring the wide area of knowledge. The evolution of
the internet technology created a suitable, easiest, cost
efficient and fast medium of communication, whereby majority of the worlds
population two-third statistically participate fully in blogging as well as
social media activities in order to satisfy their thirst for information, and
entertainment, hence such platforms serve as tools for connection and creation
of mutual understanding. Over the years, the online environment created by
social media has enabled it users share thoughts, common business, personal and
intellectual ideas effectively without restriction. (William, Boyd, Densten,
Chin, Diamond and Morgenthaler 2009). The long dream of the world
transformation into a global village where one language, one flag and common
values rule has become a reality as a result of the interconnectivity of
several interactive platforms that unite and allow people to communicate from
diverse ends, social background, and culture. Countless benefits have been
tremendously realized via distant communication expedited by social media
usage. The ability to spell words effectively prepares a ground for educational
distinction which is key in the intellectual quest and pursuit of all students.
It plays a crucial part in an individual assignment within academic and
non-academic institutions hence coining possible ways and mechanism of how
peoples academic achievements can be enhanced in all ramification by spelling
words effectively and correctly has become a priority and a phenomenon of
concern. (Olubiyi 2012). Worldwide, emphasis have been placed on
intellectual and academic excellence. Most prevalent and alarming globally are
issues and problems upholding and downgrading it hence many studies have been
carried out in order to establish concrete intellectual findings in that
regard. Academic accomplishment and its imperativeness in determining ones
success is multi-faceted and largely depends on many factors some of which are,
the ability to spell words correctly, the ability to phrase and write good
sentences and the ability to use language appropriately. They determine ones
academic capability in both institutions of learning and career development
(Kyoshaba 2009). Spelling excellence which contribute immensely to academic
excellence remains one of the goals of numerous if not all academic
establishments, it is however ascertained and measured through examination
results, therefore spelling excellence and academic excellence are the outcome
or product of education. In respect of measurement, there is no general
agreement on how it is best tested or the aspects that are most important
(Annie, Howard and Mildfred, 1996). With the recent setback of lifes
existent principles and tenets of education commonly prevalent amidst students
that accumulate the vast majority of social media users for interaction,
perhaps there may be a direct relationship that exists between social media
usage and the spelling ability of students in universities and beyond. The
greater concentration of these contemporary platforms revolves to a great
extent around erecting and modifying appropriate social connotation between
individuals with communal and mutual concern. The World Wide Web, that host
countless social interactive sites has posed serious flaws to students as they
most often prefer channeling time meant for productive academic ventures to
activities such as chatting and socializing with friends online. A lot of apprentices are now habituated to the
technological amusement and rave of Facebook and twitter. as a result of
addiction, the quest to exchange information swiftly, gave birth to new methods
of spelling words which is a total deviance from the normal, professional and
formal ways of spelling words thus the student seem to have found in love with
shortening words to enable them say as much as they can in a short
time. Today, most young people who are students enjoy chatting while
walking on streets, in formal settings of learning, places of worship etc. it
is however alarming that the surge for the usage of these technological devices
increases each passing moment. Crystal, D, (2008) established that, among the
growing trends in communication, social media happens to be the most welcomed
development and the favourite of youths and students globally because of
its cheap tariff and reliability. A study by Rafi, M, (2010) revealed that the
adoption, usage and addiction to text messaging have propelled the deterioration
of English writing and appropriate spelling of words. The excessive usage habit
according to majority of the respondents expedites hurdles in writing English
during examination. The indispensable fact is, texting has come to stay and
evolve speedily as a 21st century fashion with abundant and unusual usage of
language which is a total deviance from the years to years standards. However
it is a popular believe that the practice is promoting a huge debility in
learning hence the writing skills of students is greatly affected as a result
of excessive usage of SMS. A philosophical guide by name Social information
processing theory posits that more time is needed in developing virtual social
collaboration than one on one relationship. However when developed, it has the
same bearing as the one on one. Therefore, given the fact that friends be it
physical or virtual exercise some form of influence, the degree and frequency
of social media usage is a key and major determinant in respect of students disposition
towards their studies. It is against this background that this study examined
the effect of social media on the spelling ability of Federal College of
Education Yola students. The growing trend and usage of social media as
means of fostering mutual understanding has come to stay in Nigeria just like
in almost all parts of the world. It is however imperative to note that
majority of users that form the internet or virtual community thriving today
are high school and University students. Baran, (2010:272) noted that whatever
effect social media has on the user fundamentally depends on how the user
chooses to use it as it can be used in advantageous ways and otherwise. The
phenomenon social media has been explored widely by diverse scholars in respect
of its benefit and effects, however it appears less has been done about the
affiliation between social media and the spelling ability of students, in order
to fill the gap in knowledge, the study surveyed the effect of social media on students
spelling ability. Specifically this study will find answers to the following
question. What is the effect of social media on the spelling ability of
students? The rationale of this survey generally is to
examine the effect of Social Media on the Spelling ability of students of
Federal College of Education Yola. Specifically, the study seeks i. To examine the
effect social has on the spelling ability of students. ii. To find out the nature of
effect social media have on students spelling ability. iii. To determine the number of
hours spent by students daily on social media. iv. To determine ways by which
social usage has affected the spelling ability of the students. i. What effect does social media has on the
spelling ability of students in Federal college of education Yola? ii. What is the nature of effect on students
spelling ability? iii. What is the number of hours spent by students
on social media activities? iv. In what ways has social media usage affected
the spelling ability of the students of Federal College of Education Yola? The addiction of social media usage mostly among youths and students has been as issue of
local and international discussion. The deteriorating rate of intellectual
excellence hugely related to social media usage as proven by numerous scholars
triggered lots of studies on its effects and benefits. Glaringly little or
nothing has been done about its relationship with the spelling ability of students. Hence this research work is important to institutions of
learning, parent and students. It will enable educators understand the impact
social media has on their students. The study is also of immense significance
to parents in terms of knowing and comprehending the effects social media has
on their children and the necessary mechanism for the regulation of its
excessive usage. The study will serve as a veritable platform for students to
comprehend the collective advantages of social media and the likely dangers exploring the platforms more than
required may pose to their spelling ability and academic performance as a
whole. It will assist student in comprehending the diverse nature of social
media. It will make available pertinent guide for other intellectuals and
researchers undertaking related study. As words may mean differently in different
contexts, the following definitions are given as words used as intended to be
understood for the purpose of this study. Social Media: They are internet based virtual platforms that
simplify interactivity and the creation of mutual understanding among people
from diverse ends within a limited period of time. Social media include
web and mobile technology. In this study, this refers to platforms such as
facebook, twitter, Myspace and Whatsapp that enable users share information. Spelling Ability: The act, competence, quality, practice or subject
of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words.
(Orthography). In this study it stands for the ability of students to spell
words correctly as required formally and professionally. Students: In this study it stands for students of Federal College
of Education Yola. World over, new information technologies
involving a range of computer controlled communication services have evolved.
Prominent among these is the internet. The internet is a cluster of thousands
of heterogeneous computer networks utilizing different set of protocols to
create a worldwide communication platform (Adesina, 2006:168). The
internet is a conglomerate of diverse categories of networks and set ups linked
together. It is also known as a connection of computers with the aid of
computer networks based on a common addressing system and communication
protocol called transmission control protocolinternet protocol. It facilitates
information sharing just as mobile phones enable people talk from different
ends. Some call the internet super highway. As a road allows vehicular movement
to various parts of a country so does information travel via different
interconnected computer networks (Owolabi, 2006:139). Dominick (2009:277) posit that the connections
that exist among these networks could be microwaves, fiber optic cables, phone
lines or wires built exceptionally for this purpose. Dominick (2009) also gave
the make-up and characteristics of the internet as World Wide Web (WWW), email,
newsgroup, and online service providers. Boyd and Ellison (2007) further
explained the features of the internet by saying It shares a variety of
technical features that allows individuals to construct a public or semi-public
office, articulate list of their users that they share connection with and view
their list of connection`s within the system. However, the most
interesting thing about the internet is that no organization owns or controls
it. There is no government regulation and no one censors the information made
available on the internet (Wu, Paulina 2015) Wu, Paulina (2015) also gave the
following uses of the internet: chatting, text-based chats, e-based or
multimedia chat etc. It is paramount and requisite to have a
knowledge of what media is in order to understand the concept of new media.
Daramola, (2003:95) sees media as the vehicle or means by which information are
conveyed from source to receivers. More so, Ball-Reach and Cantor cited in
Littlejohn (1992:341) explain that central to any study in mass communication
is the media. The contemporary Mass Media (whether hot or cool as McLuhan would
say), foster the interconnectivity of millions of people to be in touch with
almost any spot on the globe. In the craft of journalism, the new and the old
media exist as a result of the emergence and evolvement of the internet.
According to Dungson, (2006) Newspapers, magazine, radio and television are the
old media while Haralambos and Holborn, (2004) see new media as those aspects
that are associated with information and communication technology (ICT),
hardware and software, as well as media institutions and the people who
practice in them. Mcquail (2005) stated that new media is an encompassing set
of diversifying plus applied communication technologies (IT). Haralambos and
Holborn, (2004) added that technological development in information and
information technology has allowed new media to diversify and spread. Dominick
(2009:291) claimed that the internet i.e. new media supplements the old
surveillance function of Mass Media. Kietzman (2012). Defined Social media as
web and mobile based machinery that create veritable platforms through which
people communally exchange, relate, reinvent and co create user generated
content. Kaplan and Haenlein (2010) added that social media are platforms built
of philosophical practicalities and a conglomerate of networks that enable
users generate and share contents. According to Martinez cited in Boyd (2009),
social media allow people expand their social connections by contacting and
becoming friends with people who they may not have met in person. Wellman,
Salaff, Dimitrova, Garton, Gulia and Haythorn, (1996) opines that social media
support both maintenance of existing social ties and formation of new
connections outside pre-existing social groups or location their allowing the
formation of communities around shared interest, as opposed to shared
geography. Over the years, social media have expanded as a result of the availability
of mobile phones which have contributed immensely to users usage, adoption and
dependence to social media. Social media effects are dire. Baran (2010:272)
opined that the outcome of social media influence on a user which could be
advantageous (positive) or otherwise fundamentally depends on the manner or
ways by which the user chooses to use it hence scholars and researchers across
the globe have been able to establish some findings on the influence of social
media. According to Englander, Terregrossa and Wang (2010) the negative effect
of social media on the academic performance of students is far greater than its
advantages thus, social media is negatively concomitant with academic
excellence and prosperity. (Oche and Aminu 2010) posits that majority of
students and adolescences now a days own Facebook accounts which is
gradually resulting to a massive decline in the academic performance of
students in all institutions of learning in Nigeria to be specific and the
world at large. However reasons or explanations for this decline may not be
farfetched from excessive usage of social media. While many minds might be quick
to blame the poor quality of teachers forgetting that students attention has
drifted away from physical associates to virtual or online friends, whereas
relevant academic related schemes like writing and spelling words effectively
gets crippled in the process. Olubiyi (2012). Noted that the level at
which students are so enthralled to online chatting is
one of the commonest trends in societies today, virtually 24 hours is spent on
social media by active users(mostly student) to socialize and satisfy their
yearnings for visibility in the virtual world. Even in classrooms and lecture
theatres, it has been observed that some students are always busy pinging,
2going or Facebooking, while lectures are on, time ought be channeled towards
learning, academic research and innovative engagements have been crushed by the
passion for meeting new friends online, and most times busy discussing trivial
issues and most painful of all spelling words wrongly. Thus countless number of
students experience academic impediment by virtue of excessive social media
practice. Obi, Bulus,Adamu and Sala ( 2012), observed that
majority of students that often explore social media routinely have coined and
adopted peculiar practices of writing and abbreviating words in formal
settings and during chatting which is gradually becoming integral to their
formal writing skills. For example students now use 2 in place of to, D in
place of the, and 4 in place of for. These necessitated the establishment of
deterioration in the use of English and grammar by users who are mostly
students, therefore this explains in clear terms that words abbreviation while
chatting has a direct link with the class assessment of students as it alters
the conventional way of spelling words as required professionally. Ellison,
Steinfield, and Lampe (2007) notes that although social media has been
recognized as an important resource for education today, other studies however
shows that undergraduates harness social media such as Facebook for fun, to
while away time, to meet existing friends or to make new ones. Also Kimberly,
Jeong and Lee, (2009), supposed that students spend ample stretch on
participating in social media activities, with many students apportioning
blames to social platforms for consistent shrinkage and decline in excellent
academic performance. It also shows that only few students are aware of the academic
and professional networking opportunities the sites offers. Social media by originality propagates
information sharing for the purpose of creating mutual understanding and
benefits. It has the supremacy of humanizing, amusing and influencing the
audience. Most importantly, they hold a contagious and outreaching influence of
which the mainstream media is deficient of. Osahenya (2012) explained
this latent as the unstoppable power of the social media. In spite of the fact
that a lot of negativities have been attached to social media as a result of
the potential menace students are exposed to. It is also imperative to elicit
the advantages that can be accrued if properly harnessed. Abubakar (2011)
posits that the open, chatty and interactive nature of social media propels and
boosts participation. He characterized the diverse nature of social
into blogs, YouTube, flicker, 2go, Facebook and twitter to mention but a few.
Boyd (2007) revealed that institutions of knowledge acquisition are beginning
to utilized quite a number of the virtual sites for educational purposes and to
incorporate and foster information sharing habits among students regarding
assignment and other beneficial intellectual information other students are deficient
of. schools have started to use these sites to promote education, keep students
up to date with assignments, and offer help to those in need. He concluded that
social media can be a positive influence on students if amply used. Boyd (2007)
believes that social networking sites bid users the opportunity to uniquely air their views
without restrictions of any kind. In addition, Boyd (2007) perceived that
social media serve as both meeting place and a platform that propagates
positive interactivity where like-minded individuals can showcase their
talents. Boyd and Ellison (2007) further explained in clear terms that secondary
school students make judicious use of this available forum as yardstick for
acquiring wealth of knowledge and other crucial aid for future planning. For
example, high school graduates aspiring to be undergraduates in diverse
disciplines and Universities could log in to these platforms and visit the
profile of the university they deem is fit for them. However Kuppuswamy and Shankar (2010) avert that
social networking platforms ensnare the minds of students and divert it to
nonacademic venture such unproductive online conversation. While Liccardi,
Ounnas, Massey, Kinnunen, Midy, and Sakar (2007) explicitly presage that social
media nurture social connectivity among students, it allows them make known to
each other their everyday educational proficiencies and also converse on
numerous topics. Furthermore, Tinto (1997) added that social media is needful
as extra-curricular events and educational events are unsatisfying to some
students who suffer from the inaccessibility of social networking sites. This explains
that there are lots of academic benefits and useful experiences that attached
to social media. Trusov, Bucklin, and Pauwels (2009) argued that
social media in its entirety is precarious to youths who are mostly if not all
students. Social networking sites according to Cain (2009) offers ease of connectivity among
people. Its cost effectiveness, information, pictures and videos sharing
nature upsurge users participation. Preceding studies according to Wiley and
Sisson (2006) shows that great percentage of tertiary students (90%) engage in
social media usage. In the same way Ellison (2007) added that roughly half an
hour is spent routinely on chatting and other social media activities, thus
social media is important in the lives of students. A study conducted by
Lenhart and Madden in 2007 unveiled that students acclaim social networking
sites are good frequencies for collaboration and the exchange of information
with friends. Richardson, Third and MacColl (2009) in Ito
(2005) postulate that creative contents on social media strengthen community
building when exchanged. It extends high sense of friendship, inseparability
and closeness among people who share the same history. It upholds the virtues
of collaboration and strong sense of community development. From which ever
perspective social media is looked at, Richardson, Third and MacColl connotes
that, users sense of community development is built which means to a great
extent, they have positive impact on users. Finally Arling P and Subramani
M (2011) opine that employees use social networking tools (e.g Facebook,
LinkedIn, On-line Blogs, etc) to establish contacts and associate with experts
that could be useful in exchanging knowledge that could be helpful in
increasing job performance. In 2013 a survey was conducted to examine the use
of social media by students. The study unveiled that students usage of these
platforms are mostly for leisurely purposes such as phonography viewing, films
watching and the discussion of religious and political issues (Ezeah, Euphemia,
Asogwa and Obiorah, 2013). The rate at which students drop out of school
yearly is alarming which is why it has become a global phenomenon. (Bowen
2008). Lots of research posits that among the factors and pressures propelling
and raising the dropout rate of students across the globe, the greatest and
most impactful among them is social media. However, with the increase in social
media adoption, usage, addiction and the surge for technological social lives
by students, the question remains, does it affect their academic pursuit?
(Bowen 2008). Yang (2003) noted that the degree of social media usage
fundamentally determines its effect on the user. While Williams (2008) holds
that majority of high school graduates lack the adequate knowledge and
qualification to enroll for higher studies and these reasons are not far from
the surge and addiction of social media by students and youths. However Kabilan (2010) believe that there are
some advantages tied to social media usage one of which is the facilitation of
English learning which leads to English proficiency. Also Craig (2003) and
David (2008) noted that information sharing on social media which involves
typing or texting in some ways enhance students literateness and mastery of
language. Williams (2008) observed that users ability to type fast and multi
task gets broadened through social media usage. In a study on impact of Facebook on undergraduate academic performance Moon
(2011) averred that social media have negative impact on students.
According to the result, the more students use facebook the more it affects
their academic performance. Similarly, Oye (2012) notes that most of the
younger students use social networking sites mainly for socializing activities
rather than for academic purpose. Another study conducted by Shana (2012)
revealed that students use social media mainly for making friends and chatting.
The result showed that only 26 percent of the students (respondents) use social
media for academic purpose. Young (2006) in a study titled the effect of
internet use and social media on the academic performance of students explained
that the wide tentacles of the internet have impacted greatly to the school
lives of undergraduates and students generally. He noted that contemporary
students now a days fundamentally depend on social media for information
sourcing and entertainment that are hugely related to school life. The
researcher added that, internet, though time sapping, has less negative effects
on studies. This is evident going by numerous observations carried out on some
students of university of Maiduguri who are vigorous handlers of social media
and yet the most intelligent in their respective classes. Jeong (2005) noted that students obsession to
internet is expressively associated with their academic and emotional
characteristics. Seo (2004) corroborates Jeongs assertion when he opined that
the negative influence of internet is only on excessive users and not on all
users. A new research study found that widespread use of social media among
freshman college students may compromise academic performance. The study is one
of the first to explore mechanisms of media effects on academic outcomes.
Investigators determined that use of media, from texting to chatting on cell
phones to posting status updates on Facebook may lower grades for freshman
female students (Nauert 2007). The outcome of a survey by Lenhart in 2010, on
social media revealed that about 57% of virtual platform users are student who
fall within the age range of 18-29. Most of them according to his findings have
numerous profiles or accounts on several social networking sites. Pempek,
Yermolayeva, and Calvert (2009) added that there is a great variance in respect
of time spent on social media by users. However, analysis discovered that huge
number of users expend nearly half an hour routinely mostly around 9 p.m. to
zero hours socializing while students disburse 47 minutes every day on
Facebook. Majority of college students about 50% visit social media more than
necessary daily (Sheldon 2008). According to Quan, Haase and Young (2010) 82% of
undergraduates visit social networking sites severally daily. Younger students
frequently explore Facebbok more than older students. They use the platforms
for maintaining old relationships with people from their places of origin as
well as high school colleague and friends. (Pempek 2009). A research conducted by Ajewole, Olowu and
Fasola in 2012 on social media dependence amid youths of Nigeria revealed that
most of the respondents have issues with noble academic productivity of which
time spent on social media is seen to be the factor responsible. Khan U (2009),
is of the opinion that active social media users encounter deficit in their
school presentation. Similarly, Englander, Terregrossa and Wang (2010)
postulate that social media and the academic performance of students are
adversely linked. The disadvantages associated with its usage outweigh the
advantages. To him, constants handlers enjoy being online rather engaging in
other relevant personal and professional endeavors which ultimately create a
glaring discrepancy in educational excellence in terms of performance. A study by Karpinski and Vein (2009) pointed out
that social networking handlers create little or no time for their educations
when compared to non-users. The study was able to ascertain and generalized
that based on data collected and analyzed in relation to users and non-users
CGPAs hence in the history of generations and their peculiar distractions,
Social media usage and addiction is seen to be the foremost disturbance of this
current generation (Karpinski and Duberstein (2009). The imperativeness of language and language
usage as the only natural means of creating mutual understanding cannot be over
emphasized. The gradual evolution of technology that gave birth to concepts
such as digital age and globalization have impacted and redefined communication
momentously. The adoption of social media as channels of exchanging information
have in ways uncountable altered language and conventional language usage.
Veteran users who are mostly young people by virtue of addiction have now
coined a variety of online dialect that is constructing influence in the speech
of youths and the vast diverse areas of language. Eloquence and good mastery of English language
is a celebrated global phenomenon. It is not only important in academic
endevours but a prerequisite in all ramifications of professional activities
both locally and internationally in todays contemporary generation. . According
to a study conducted on Malaysian youths by Saraswathy, ErPekHoon, Swagata
Sinha Roy and Pok Wei Fong (2014) revealed that it the quality language spoken
by Malaysian youths is gradually deteriorating and deviating from conventional
standard as a result of improper and unprofessional usage on social media
communication which ultimately brings to fore new phrases and words. (Aydin
2012). Theorize that abbreviated language developed on social technological
platforms is severely interfering with the vocabulary of students negatively.
He concluded that lot students learn and practice the online language by
counter parting and observation in both speech and lettering. For example
addicted handlers use leet instead of elite which is a total deviance from the
conventional. As usage of online platforms continue to increase many users
(students and teenagers) have coined a peculiar language of communication on
the platforms. (Aydin 2012). Holds that texting and jargons established and
used during conversation in online platforms directly affects language as 90%
of youths and students own a mobile phone while 96% actively enjoy texting.
This shows that young people are active texters (Plester 2008). Kathleen and
Anuhea (2010) see social media as a liability base on freedom of speech and
poor regulation that came with the platforms, according to them the lack of
censorship have posed serious challenges to peoples privacy and vocabulary more
especially celebrities, that post items with clear linguistic challenges.
Toutanova (2003). Revealed series of studies that detailed how writing accuracy
on social media considerably dropped from 97% to 85% hence the magnitudes of
language technology are dismal. Foster (2011) validates the impact of social
media on language based on the double digit accuracy deterioration experienced
in multiple state of the art parsers when examined on online platforms methods
of texting, Craig (2003) also added that the continuous use of abbreviation and
uncommon slang during texting impedes the ability of students to implore
prescribed literacy abilities. However other scholars consider social media as
great platforms that facilitates vocabulary development and language learning.
While some researchers claim that, frequency of usage and number of encounters
in different forms and contexts determine the acquisition of new vocabulary.
Grosseck (2008) and Muñoz (2009) found that social media (Facebook and Twitter)
give students the opportunity to exchange useful academic information. Group
pages when created on either whatsapp or facebook enable students communicate
and share valuable information about assignments and projects. In University of
Maiduguri, a lot of students explained how well informed they are about class
issues as a result of such platforms. Kabilan (2010) postulate that
virtual environments created on social media could be used in the promotion of
learning through language development since confidence, motivation and the
constructive trust to communicate in English are built on the platforms. On the
effect of texting Craig (2003) and David (2008) similarly concluded that social
media in some ways develops learning via messaging as it makes viable
likelihoods to absorb language. Social media networks and other contemporary
systems of dispatching facts have modeled serious challenges to schools and
professional bodies as a result of the level obsession showcased by students
within centers of knowledge and skills acquisition. (Greenfield and
Subrahmanyam 2008). Speculates that mechanism put in place by various
institutions of learning to regulate and checkmate usage of social media seems
to be less effective as many students devise means of accessing these sites as
they so wish during learning sections. (Greenfield andSubramanian 2008).
Further connotes that irregularities showcased during tutoring phase implement
negative outcome on learning in educational serenity. Oche and Aminu (2010)
posits that majority of undergraduates now a days are addicted to chatting
because of over usage which is very unhealthy for their education, while Wiley
(2006) perceive it to be a sharing nation and a great opportunity for learners. Klaus (1993) states that theories resent various
ways observers see their environment more than they capture reality itself.
Kaplan (1964) also added that the formation of theory is not just the discovery
of fact but a way of seeing and thinking about the world, as such it is better
seen as the lens one uses in observation than as a mirror of nature. In this
study, the effect of social media on the spelling ability of students, social
learning theory was used. There has been some questions on the kinds of values
adopted and used by people from the conventional media and now social media.
Social learning theory propounded by Albert bandura postulates that learning
takes place in a social context via cognitive processes known as observation
and uninterrupted guidelines even in the absenteeism undeviating corroboration.
He further said that people learn persistently using communication within their
immediate environment and now the virtual environment known as the internetsocial
media. He explained that communal and virtual communal interaction exercise
influences on the mind thus, innovations such as social media is a factor in
determining the life events, believes, values and culture tenable in our
societies today. Elder (1981) and Bandura (1989) Posit that
technology provides new innovative methods that create social learning
environments. One aspect of this technology is its ability to create platforms
that allows interactivity and also provide the opportunity to observe others.
To them human believe system is greatly influenced by virtual platforms used
for the transmission of information and the stimulation of social persuasion of
which social media is a clear example. Students and humans generally are now
constantly surrounded by so many influence fundamentally the media. Social
media has become integral to virtually all students across the globe and this
has influenced them behaviorally, cognitively and otherwise. Albert bandura gave three major process or
stages by which social learning takes place since learning does not occur
independently. These process are: Identification: This is a psychological process whereby
the subject assimilates an aspect, property, or attribute of the other and is
transformed wholly or partially by the model provided. It is by means of a
series of identifications that the personality is constituted and specified by
which copying a model and specific acts, springs from wanting to be and trying
to be like the model with respect to some broader quality (White 1997). The Federal College of Education Yola started as
Federal Advanced Teachers College in 1974. The College alongside others in
Nigeria was restructured in 1989 with a change of status and mandate to Federal
College of Education following the enactment of Decree No 4 of the 1986 and the
follow-up Decree No 6 of the 1993. The mandate of the Federal College of
Education, Yola is to produce highly motivated and efficient classroom teachers
for the Basic Education level of the Nigerias Educational system. The
vision of the College is to be a leading college in Africa in the training of
efficient and creative teachers, and the promotion of professionalism, research
and community service and also to spearhead the internalization of the NCE
programme and the integration of the host community into the mainstream of
national education agenda in line with the college core values which are,
humility, selfless service and God consciousness. The college offers three year NCE (Nigeria
Certificate in Education) programme and five year NCE part-time program (for
in-service teachers). In collaboration with sister institutions, Information
Technology courses, Language proficiency courses and vocational programs are
offered. The college also offers a B.Ed. Programs in 9 subjects in
collaboration with University of Maiduguri. The college can burst of more than
seven thousand students from diverse ends. The research design adopted for the study was
descriptive survey. This design is considered apt because it enables the
researcher to generate data through the standardized collection procedures
based on highly structured research instrument(s) and well defined study
concept. According to Barbie (1997) survey design is probably the best
technique available to social scientists for original data collection from a
defined population extremely large to observe holistically and directly. He
added that survey design is excellent in measuring orientation and attitudes in
large population. According to Osuala (2001) survey research investigates both
large and small population by selecting and studying samples excerpt from the
population in order to explore the relative incidence, distribution
interrelation of sociological and psychological variables. The outcome of most
survey is characterized by the following: Selection of samples via identified
sampling technique, construction of measurement instruments, and the process of
data presentation, analysis and interpretation after the study. Data generation
in survey is often through questionnaire, personal interview and observation. The entire students of Federal College of
Education Yola form the population of this study from which samples were drawn.
The total universe for the study was 3545. Wimmer and Dominick (1987) defined sample as a
sub set of a population that is taken to be the representation of the entire
population who share the same characteristics in all aspect. Since it was
practically not possible for this study to investigate the entire students of
Federal College of Education Yola, as a result of time and size, respondents
were drawn from each level (levels and figures as provided by the Examination
and Records Division, Federal College of Education Yola.) this formed the
sample of the study. Purposive sampling method which is under non
probability sampling technique was adopted in the study for sample selection.
The purposive sampling procedure is a jacketed process that entails the
selection of subject base on specific features or qualities and eliminates
those deficient of the laid down criteria. It is a method where researchers
handpick subject to participate in a study based on identified variables under
consideration (Wimmer and Dominick 1987). Defer (1997) believe that the power
of purposive sampling lie in the selection of information rich-cases for
in-depth analysis related to the central issues being studied. Samples in
the study were selected based on level of study. Using the total number of
students and distribution according to level, the study drew samples from each
level according to their proportional size that was determined using the steps
below: 1. The total population
of students Federal College of Education Yola was identified. 2. The number of
students in each level in Federal College of Education Yola was identified. 3. The required total
sample size is 150 (The 150 sample was selected bearing in mind several
constraints which makes it difficult to study the whole students). Formula
= sub group
Population X Required samples
Total population All the levels were represented proportionately
to their size within the population. Stratified Accidental sampling technic was
used for the actual selection of individuals involved. (Selecting students from
year two to final year). 3545 formed the universe of the study from which 150
students were drawn as required sample size for this research. Below is the table that shows the sample
allocation bases. Table: Table of sample allocation for the levels. A well-constructed and self-developed questionnaire was
the data eliciting instrument for this study. Questionnaire is perceived to be
the most frequently used instrument of data collection specifically in most
survey research. Onwe (1998) claimed that appropriate usage of questionnaire in
a particular research situation provides meaningful answer to research
problem. The general two types of questionnaire was
appropriately used in the study and these are: (A) structured or fixed response
questionnaire in which each question include a number of respondents to respond
to options by picking any option that best suit their option. While (B) which
is the unstructured or op-ended questionnaire allows respondents to respond
according to their feelings and own words. In view of the above, questionnaire was used to
find out the effect of social media on the spelling abilities of students, a
case study of Federal College of Education Yola. The question focused on the
selected indicators of the study (the effect of social media on students
spelling abilities of Federal College of Education Yola). According to Nachmias
and Nachmias (1996) questionnaire has a lot of advantages some of which are,
cost efficiency, greater anonymity of respondents and the reduction of biasing
error because of the little or no interaction between the researcher and the
respondents, as such, less or no influence that will tamper with the
authenticity, reliability and validity of the research outcome is experienced.
This study used tables and percentage to interpret quantitative data generated.
Qualitative interpretation and analysis was used appropriately especially as it
relates to open ended questions. The study with the aid of questionnaire elicited
information from students of Federal College of Education Yola (FCE) 150
questionnaire were administered on students using purposive and accidental
sampling techniques, out of which 139 were returned. Three were invalid and
eight got missing. This gave a response rate of 92.7%. From the above table, majority of the
respondents are male (53.2%).While (46.8%) of the respondents are female. Below is the presentation of the findings based on the objectives of the
research. Objective one: To examine the effect of social
media on the students spelling ability Table 3: The effect of social media on students spelling ability Social media influence on the spelling ability
of students To view Table 4, click below From the table above 60(43.2%) 0f the
respondents said social media has influenced their spelling ability while
60(43.2%) of the respondents said social media has negatively influenced their
spelling ability. 19(19.6%) of the respondents gave no response which it has
neither influenced their spelling ability negatively or positively. Objective two: To find out the nature of effect
social media have on students spelling ability To view Table 5, click below This table shows the nature of effect social
media have on students spelling ability. 71(51.1%) respondent see more of the
effect in terms of examination and 36(25.9%) respondents in letters. 23(16.5%)
while using Facebook and 9(6.5%) while using Whatsapp. The effect of social media on students spelling
ability To view Table 6, click below The effect of social media on conventional way
of writing Objective three: To determine number of hours
students spend on social networking activities daily To view Table 8, click below Objective four: To determine the commonly
misspelled works by the students To view Table 10, click below Question 1: What is the effect of social media on students
spelling ability in Federal college of Education Yola? Providing answers to the first research
question: What is the effect of social media on students spelling ability in
Federal college of Education Yola? This study indicates that 76.3%of the
respondents use social media, according to them, adequate access and usage of
social media can affect their spelling ability. Furthermore in table 6 majority
of the respondents 74.8% said that social media affects their spelling ability
negatively and 32.4% of the respondents believed that social media affects
their spelling ability positively. 15.1% of the respondents said social media
neither affects their spelling ability negatively nor positively which means
the effect is unknown. This result therefore strengthens the finding by Moon
(2011). Who theorize that the social media have undesirable bearing on
students. He argued that frequent and ceaseless usage of social media determine
the level of bearing it has on students. This negative effect is however
associated with the extent of stretch expended by students as a result of the
inevitable satisfaction driven from the usage. According to Morahan- Martin and
Schumacher, (2000) excessive use of the internet, social media addiction, and
the failure to control this usage may eventually become a problem. Kuss and
Griffiths, (2011) said, on the internet, students engage in multiplicity of
activities some of which may be potentially addictive.Also in ascertaining the effect of social media
on students spelling ability, the study indicates that 11.9% of the respondent
spell Fkns instead of thanks and 6.5% spell it was as twaz, 12.9% spell what as
wuh while 12.9 spell laugh out loud as lol while 49.6% of the respondent
misspell all the words and even more. Table 10 spell
you as u while 20.9% of the respondents spell how as hw while majority of the
respondents misspell all the words in the table. The findings from the two
tables indicate the negative effects social media usages have on students
spelling ability. Question 2: What is the nature of the bearing social media
has on the spelling ability of students? To find out the nature of bearing social media
has on the students spelling ability; the study found that 43.2% of the
respondents said social media has influenced their spelling ability negatively
while 43.2% of the respondents said social media has negatively influenced
their spelling ability. 19.6% of the respondents gave no response which means
the influence of social media on their spelling ability is neither negative nor
positive and also table 5 discovered that 51.1% respondent see more of the
effect in terms of examination and 25.9% respondents in letters. 16.5% while
using facebook and 6.5% while using Whatsapp.This finding revealed that, although students
engage in the use of social media virtually every day, the nature of influence
it has on them varies, as some experience more of the effect in examination,
others. However the result here is in tandem with the finding by Baran (2010)
who noted that technology could have both negative and positive bearing on its
user depending on how it is used. It was observed in university of Maiduguri
that some students use social media excessively but doing well academically
while some of the excessive users perform otherwise. Therefore, the nature of
effect boils down to influence which could be negative or positive and mostly
visible in examination, latters, Facebook and Whatsapp just as revealed by the
finding. Question 3: What is the number of hours spent by students on social
media activities? And in finding answers to number of hour‟s
students spend on social media activities; the study further revealed that on
daily basis, 14.4% respondents spend 6 hours online. 25(18%) respondents spend
4 hours online and 52(37.4%) respondents spend 2 hours and 27.3% respondents
spend 1 hour online and 2.9% respondents spend 30 to 40 minutes daily on social
media. Time is a very important factor in examining the effect of social media
generally. Findings from the analyzed data revealed that most of the
respondents consume not less than 2 to 4 hours daily. The result here
correlates with the work of Lawal and Oluwatoyin (2011) where they pointed that
social media users spend an average of two to six hours using social media
while non-users spend between eight and seventeen hours studying. According to
him those who spend hours using social media devotes lesser time to academic
venture. This study revealed the same on students of Federal College of
Education Yola since they spend hours on social media which contributes to the
deterioration of their spelling ability. Question 4: In what ways has social media usage affected the spelling
ability of the students of Federal College of Education Yola? The findings indicate that. 51.1% respondents
said social media affect them when writing examination and 25.9%of the
respondents said it affect their spelling ability while writing letters. 16.5%
of the respondents said it affects them when facebooking and 6.5% respondents
when whatsapping. Findings here revealed that social media is a major factor
that affects students spelling ability in Federal College of Education Yola.
The outcome of this study is consistent with the finding by Aydin, (2012). Who
noted that, words abbreviation used on virtual platforms deteriorates student‟s
vocabulary. Many learn the language through observation and imitation in both
speaking and writing. According him, alternative words such as sup derived from
what‟s up and wuh from what are good examples of elements deteriorating
conventional spoken language and vocabulary. However generally this study
stands on the fact that social media affects students spelling during
examination and when writing letters, the negative effect also alters their
conventional way of writing which is unhealthy academically and formally. Thus,
according to social learning theory which posits that learning takes place in a
communal context by observation and imitation, the students of Federal College
of Education Yol Mass communication, Spelling Ability, Social
media.The Effect of Social Media on the Spelling Ability of Students: A Case Study of Federal College of Education (FCE) Yola
Abstract
Full-Text
Introduction
Statement of problem
Objectives of the study
Research questions
Significance Justification of the study
Operational definitions
Social Media Effects
Benefits of Social Media
Academic Performance of Students and the Influence of Social Media
Usage of Social Media and Students Academic
Performance
Social Media and Language
Social Media Problems in Schools
Theoretical Framework
Observation: Neal M and John D (1941). Observed that observational
learning occurred when observers were motivated to learn, when the cues or
elements of the behaviors to be learned were present, when observers performed
the given behaviors, and when observers were positively reinforced for adapting
those behaviors. According behaviors can be adopted when seen and such
behaviours would be reorganized and then learned which produces new behaviour,
and either increase or decrease frequency with which a previously learned
behaviour is demonstrated.
Imitation: is an advanced behavior whereby an individual observes
and replicates anothers behaviour. It is a form of social learning that leads
to the development of traditions and culture. Miller and Dollard assumed
that individuals behaved in certain ways and then shaped their behavior their
based on imitation and learning. The researchers saw imitation as replacing
random trial-and-error behaviors and that it has simplify behavioural adoption
and reinforcement. Social learning theory has been used for this study because
it best explains how people learn and develop certain behaviors that could be
as a result of media usage and exposure to media content plus the reason(s) and
outcomes of such usage on the users. As the theory states, the degree of our
learnability in a social context is the key variable in understanding how we
learn and adapt certain behaviors.The History of Federal College of Education Yola
Methodology
Population of the study
Sample and Sampling Technique
Data Presentation
Demographic Data
Table 2: Respondents age.
From the table above 52(37.4%) of the
respondents fall within the age category of 16-20 and 68(48.9%) 21-25,
14(10.1%), 26-30 and 5(3.6%) 31 and above.
Findings from this table above reveal that
106(76.3%) of the respondents believe that social media can affect their
spelling ability while 33(23.7%) of the respondents believe that social cannot
affect their spelling ability.
Table 4: How has the use of social media influenced students spelling ability.
Table 5: The nature of effect social media have on students spelling ability
Table 6: What is the impact of words abbreviation on your spelling ability
The table above unveils that 45(32.4%) of the
respondents said words abbreviation while chatting on social media positively
affects their spelling ability while 73(52.5%) of the respondents said words
abbreviation while chatting on social media negatively affects their spelling
ability. 21(15.1%) of the respondents said the effect on their spelling ability
is indifferent.
Table 7: Do you believe that words abbreviation can alter conventional way of writing
This table shows that 115(82.7%) respondents
said words abbreviation can alter conventional way of writing while 24(17.3%)
respondents said words abbreviation does not alter conventional way of writing.
Table 8: How many hours do you spend online
The table above reveal that 20(14.4%)
respondents spend 6 hours online. 25(18%) respondents spend 4 hours online and
52(37.4%) respondents spend 2 hours. 38(27.3%)respondents spend 1 hour online
and 4(2.9%) respondents spend hours not specified by them.
Table 9: How the use of social media has affected students spelling ability.
This table reveal that 11(7.9%) respondents
commonly abbreviate fkns while chatting while 9(6.5%) respondents use twaz.
18(12.9%) respondents use wuh and 12(8.6%) respondents commonly abbreviate ait.
18(12.9%) respondents use Lol and 69(49.6%) respondents use all the abbreviations
and 2(1.4%) respondents use 2day, and leta respectively.
Specific words miss spelt when chatting or writing formally
Table 10: What specific words do you misspell when chatting and writing formally.
This table shows that 18(12.9%) of the
respondents said they miss spell kk when chatting and writing formally while
29(20.9%) respondents miss spell how and 2(1.4%) respondents miss spell B.
15(10.8%) respondents miss spell Wif while 8(5.8%) respondents miss spell Dat
and 9(6.5%) respondents miss spell D. 17(12.2%) respondents miss spell U and
37(26.6%) respondents miss spell all of the above while 4(2.9%) miss spell
others such as 2day, Nofin and others.
To view Table 11, click below
Table 11: How it has affected students spelling ability.
This table shows how words abbreviation
while chatting on social media affects students spelling ability. 71(51.1%)
respondent said it affects them when writing examination and 36(25.9%)
respondents said when writing letters. 23(16.5%) respondents said it affects
them when facebooking and 9 (6.5%) respondents when whatsapping.Discussion of Findings
Keywords
