Learning with LinkedIn: Students' Perceptions of Incorporating Subject-Related Blogging in an International Marketing Course

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  • Author(s): Galan, Nataliya; Khodabandehloo, Akbar
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Interactive Technology and Smart Education. 2016 13(2):166-183.
  • Publication Date:
    2016
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      18
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      International Trade; Marketing; Electronic Publishing; Web Sites; Discussion Groups; College Students; Student Attitudes; Qualitative Research; Content Analysis; Structured Interviews; Cultural Awareness; Creative Thinking; Writing Skills; Program Effectiveness; Cultural Differences; Social Media; Foreign Countries; Observation
    • Subject Terms:
      Sweden
    • Accession Number:
      10.1108/ITSE-10-2015-0033
    • ISSN:
      1741-5659
    • Abstract:
      Purpose: This paper aims to report the results of implementation of blogging within a LinkedIn discussion group in an international marketing course for a multicultural group of students focusing on the students' perceptions of the subject-related blogging. Design/Methodology/ Approach: This study adopts a qualitative approach; data have been collected through online observations of the students' activity in a LinkedIn discussion group and structured interviews with volunteers after the completion of the course. Findings: The results indicate the students' positive attitudes towards blogging in LinkedIn. Blogging perceptibly contributed to the students' acquisition of knowledge in the subject area, development of multicultural awareness and writing skills and improvement of critical thinking. In most cases, this type of activity had an impact on the development of the students' creativity and personal expression. Some patterns are only identified for subgroups of students with a certain cultural background (Chinese, Asian, German-speaking and European students). Research Limitations/Implications: The results of this qualitative study are specific for a particular setting (a small international class of students) and a certain type of assignment (in terms of its structure and instructor involvement). Originality/ Value: This study contributes to the growing body of literature on using social media-based assignments in business education by generating a better understanding of how participants in a multicultural group perceive the process of experiential learning while blogging in a LinkedIn discussion group.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Number of References:
      32
    • Publication Date:
      2016
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1104796