![]() ![]() In order to use Facebook, all users must create their own account and profile. ![]() New functionality might not be included in this description. Specific examples of different options for incorporating Facebook as a pedagogical tool are presented.ĭescription of Facebook Functionality and TerminologyĬomponents of Facebook for those who are not familiar with the platform are described, but note that Facebook functionality changes frequently and some of these descriptions may not remain entirely accurate in the future. Previous studies about the uses of Facebook, broadly as well as in an academic setting, are reviewed. Facebook is briefly described in terms of its functionality and common terminology. The potential benefits and possible drawbacks to using Facebook in an educational context will be explored. For a good discussion of blogging and wikis, see Lawrence and Dion ( 2010) as well as the track summaries of Teaching with Technology from the annual APSA Teaching and Learning Conference. There are many other online applications that can enhance learning, such as blogs, wikis, and discussion boards, but the focus here is specifically on the use of social media in the classroom. Because of its wide usage, Facebook provides a readily accessible platform that can be adapted for educational purposes, given thoughtful planning and curricular design. In March 2014, 82% of Internet users worldwide had Facebook accounts. There are many other similar technologies, such as Google+, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter, but only Twitter approaches the high number of users that Facebook has. Use of Facebook has since skyrocketed from 100 million users in 2008 to 1.3 billion users in 2014 (Facebook Statistics, 2014). Facebook was created in 2004 specifically for use among students at Harvard University but quickly became available to universities across the United States, and eventually to the general public around the world in 2006. One technology that has been incorporated to only a limited extent, but that has potential, is the use of the social networking site Facebook. In addition, Facebook is particularly well suited for sharing and discussion of current events in the news.Īs instructors in higher education seek new ways to connect with their students in order to facilitate learning, they are increasingly experimenting with a variety of new technologies in the classroom. There are four inter-related potential benefits: creating a sense of community and promoting collaboration, enhancing communication between instructors and students, developing computer literacy and language skills, and incorporating current student culture into the learning environment. A variety of studies on the use of Facebook, however, indicate that there are a wide number of potential benefits to using Facebook as an educational tool. Students come to school wired and are willing and eager to use technology, but higher education has a well-established trend toward non-adoption of new technologies. These include studies by scholars in library science, education, media and communication, psychology, management information systems, business, political science, marketing, instructional technology, and commerce and accounting. In fact, a number of studies have been done by scholars in different disciplines regarding the use of Facebook (in general and in academia). With the widespread use of Facebook in society, it simply makes sense to look into ways it might be used in higher education. Facebook is a social networking site created in 2004 which has since obtained over a billion users, and it has the potential to facilitate learning in the classroom. ![]()
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