Social Networking as a Tool for Lifelong Learning with Orthopedically Impaired Learners

Abstract

This paper discusses how Turkish Cypriot orthopedically impaired learners who are living in North Cyprus use social networking as a tool for leisure and education, and to what extent they satisfy their personal development needs by means of these digital platforms. The case study described, conducted in North Cyprus in 2015 followed a qualitative research methodology: semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used for data collection. The study sample of 20 orthopedically impaired participants was selected from among members of the Cyprus Turkish Association for the Orthopedically Disabled which asked for volunteers. The study concluded that impaired learners typically satisfy their social and learning needs, or their need for excitement and relaxation, through social media. It is clear that the use of social networking only satisfies individual needs and does not contribute to group interdependence: if orthopedically impaired learners actively directed themselves to communicating more effectively among themselves and creating groups, they could solve personal problems through group solidarity. Social networks contribute to orthopedically impaired learners’ lifelong education process: in addition to providing them with positive gratification, they also “informally” contribute to their personal education. Although the individuals who participated in this study do use social networks, more effort needs to be made within the context of North Cyprus to make use of social networks for formal education purposes.