This OLC Institute post suggested three purposes and provided numerous examples of social media implementation and integration that may serve to "support learning in online courses" (2016.05.17, ¶3, ff.), namely:
1. Amplifying the physical and psychological engagement of learners (Engagement using social media);
2. Providing instruction to "enhance learning outcomes" (Instruction involving social media); and
3. Facilitating access to, and increasing availability of academic, career, and other "support services" (Student support using social media).
Reference
Online Learning Consortium [OLC] Institute for Professional Development. (2016.05.17). Why Should I Learn More about Social Media? [weblog post]. http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/learn-social-media/
Towards the end of this book review Barlow noted: "Many colleges have processes certifying teachers in uses of technology, yet I have heard of none that certifies its technologists in the ways of teaching or in educational psychology."