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A Systematic Review of the Impact of Social Media on Project-Based Learning

Author

Listed:
  • Zongguo Wang

    (Department of Advanced Learning Technology, Faculty of Educational Sciences & Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia)

  • Zaleha Abdullah

    (Department of Advanced Learning Technology, Faculty of Educational Sciences & Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia)

  • Wenhai Hu

    (School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

Social media is an important tool for people to interact and communicate. It is widely used in project-based learning (PjBL) and is of great significance in promoting sustainable education. However, although research on the relationship between social media and PjBL has been conducted for many years, no relevant research has been found to summarize their relationship. This study aims to explore the background, impact and challenges of using social media for PjBL learning. This study adopts a structured systematic review process, through detailed searches of WOS, Scopus, EBSCO and ERIC, and selects research samples according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 23 studies that meet the criteria were included in this review. The results analyzed the impact of social media on PjBL and its influencing factors, revealing that social media effectively supports PjBL by facilitating real-time collaboration, resource sharing, and reflective discussions, thereby enriching the PjBL experience. Students reported increased motivation, improved teamwork, and enhanced digital literacy. However, challenges such as distraction, uneven participation, and privacy concerns were noted, highlighting the need for careful planning and clear guidelines. The study concludes that when strategically integrated, social media can be a powerful enabler of student-centered learning in PjBL and provide important support for sustainable education.

Suggested Citation

  • Zongguo Wang & Zaleha Abdullah & Wenhai Hu, 2025. "A Systematic Review of the Impact of Social Media on Project-Based Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-27, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3680-:d:1637700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih & Ishfaq Ahmad Palla & Abdul Baquee, 2022. "Social Media Use in E-Learning amid COVID 19 Pandemic: Indian Students’ Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-12, April.
    2. Wendan Huang & Xiuhan Li & Junjie Shang, 2023. "Gamified Project-Based Learning: A Systematic Review of the Research Landscape," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Sandra Acosta & Tiberio Garza & Hsien-Yuan Hsu & Patricia Goodson, 2020. "Assessing Quality in Systematic Literature Reviews: A Study of Novice Rater Training," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(3), pages 21582440209, July.
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