Modeling the Impact of Social Media Usage and Interaction with Tutor on Collaborative Learning: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in Distance Learning Environments

Abstract

This study highlights the significance of acceptance of collaborative learning among students in online flexible distance learning higher education institutions. Collaborative learning is crucial as it enhances student engagement, fosters critical thinking, and improves learning outcomes, making it essential for modern educational frameworks. The study investigated how interactions with tutors and social media usage influence collaborative learning, focusing on learners' self-efficacy as a mediating factor. Purposive sampling was used to carry out the survey. A total of 388 responses were collected and deemed suitable for analysis. Data analysis was performed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method, which allowed for comprehensive hypothesis testing and evaluation of complex variable relationships. The outcomes of the hypothesis testing demonstrated significance pathways: interactions with tutors and social media usage were both found to affect learners' self-efficacy, significantly enhancing collaborative learning positively. These insights suggest that institutions should strengthen interactions through digital platforms and effective tutor engagement to maximise collaborative learning. The study's implications are significant for educational policymakers and institutions seeking to optimise online learning environments by leveraging technology and fostering interpersonal interactions that build student confidence. Future research should encompass longitudinal studies to examine the sustained effects of these variables on collaborative learning, expanding demographic diversity to enhance the generalizability of the findings, and exploring the influence of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality, in these educational settings. By integrating these elements, future studies can further illuminate the pathways through which technology and human interaction can be harnessed to enhance learning efficacy. This study underscores the transformative potential of collaborative learning in online education and provides a valuable framework for institutions aiming to cultivate a responsive and effective digital learning experience.