Iris Tabak

This conceptual paper examines the educative potential of social media as a platform for everyday on-demand computer-supported collaborative informal learning. We propose three dimensions: reliability, learnability and critical-construction, as a framework for investigating collaborative learning within naturally occurring social media. We use YouTube as a focal case. Our review of literature on YouTube as a space for informal peer learning suggests that post-video deliberative comments hold much promise as precursors for co-construction of knowledge. However, questions remain concerning the veracity of user-contributed videos, and the adequacy of this medium for different learning goals. Nonetheless, investigating the educative value of non-formal person-to-person knowledge sharing on social media can be an important direction for CSCL research in its aim to support learners in formal environments for future life-long learning and civic engagement.