Secret, Unofficial, and Military-Connected: How Active-duty U.S. Marines Use Social Media to Cultivate Professionalized Learning Communities

Bree McGregor

Advisor: E Shelley Reid, PhD, Department of English

Committee Members: Douglas Eyman, Mark Blaauw-Hara

Online Location, https://gmu.zoom.us/j/93234246286?pwd=cXR6YWJ2MkJPV2xPVUhJRi9RakVCdz09
August 03, 2020, 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Abstract:

This mixed-methods research project investigates how active-duty Marines use social media sites to engage in self-directed professional development and personal support activities in response to their military identities and experiences. Through the creation of private, unofficial, military-connected social media groups, and their communication within these groups, Marines demonstrate learner agency that supports their success within the Marine Corps and also prepares them to transition from the military into new professional and academic communities. These findings indicate new opportunities for institutions like the Marine Corps and higher education to enhance the continuum of support to Marines during and after their military service, as well as new opportunities for scholars to investigate the learning strengths that service members and veterans bring to higher education.