The study of social Networks as a Teaching Complementary Tool in Higher Education (Case study of Tarbiat Modarres University and Islamic Azad University of Tehran)

The present paper is designed to examine the impact and role of Telegram as one of the social networks as a complementary tool in the teaching process as well as to study whether or not to use it as a complementary tool in the teaching process. To achieve this goal, four main research questions regarding the characteristics of the Telegram, the results of its application, the barriers to its application, as well as the suggestions for making better use of this tool in the training process are discussed. This is a qualitative and interpretive phenomenological research. Research tools include Semi-structured interview, Observation and Journal Writting. In order to analyze the data of these three tools in the research, Thematic analysis method was used and Narrative analysis was used in addition to Thematic analysis. The research area is the Islamic Azad University of Tarbiat Modares University and the sample consisted of 8 postgraduate students of Tarbiat Modarres University and 11 postgraduate students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran. According to the research questions, the results of the three research tools indicate that the Telegram has the capacity and capability to be used in educational settings, but not alone, but rather in a traditional teaching method.