Facebook for educational purposes
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The study examined the use of social networking, specifically Facebook interest groups, among higher education students in Cyprus. A survey found that most students used Facebook daily and saw educational value in special interest groups for keeping up with topics, exchanging information, and meeting others with similar interests. Interviews revealed that educational interest groups allowed students to collaborate on assignments, find solutions to problems, and stay connected with lecturers and classmates.
Facebook for educational purposes
- 1. Dr. Despo Ktoridou, University of Nicosia Dr. Nikleia Eteokleous, Frederick University Presenter : Mr. Iacovos Stavrides, University of Nicosia
- 2. Examine and evaluate the role, usefulness and value of social networking as perceived by higher education students Examine the educational role of social networking by developing Special Interest Groups within a social networking site (in this case Facebook) Describe and present an evaluation of the use of three Facebook Interest Groups: MIS – Management Information Systems, Science, and Engineering, by the faculty and students of five Universities in Cyprus: University of Cyprus, Technical University of Cyprus, University of Nicosia, European University, and Frederick University
- 3. The technological advancement “Web 2.0” transformed the Web 1.0 one-way communicationinto a two-way communication and process of information Users are contributing, collaborating, and creating (the 3C’s) (Ala-Mutka et al., 2009; Hargadon, 2009; Richardson, 2009) The term, Web 2.0 is commonly associated with web applications which facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design and collaboration on the Web The Web 2.0 tools (discussion forums, blogs, wikis, chat- rooms, electronic calendars, and documents) provide a realistic, visually compelling, and motivating interactive environment for developing the life skills and knowledge needed for today’s globalized, high -tech environment
- 4. Using Web 2.0 tools users create profile pages and groups with common interests, upload pictures, video, music, comment on events People’s everyday lives, the workplace and academic settings updated by Social websites Social websites support collaborative working, group engagement that have pedagogical potential like teaching and learning process
- 5. Facebook has quickly become the favorite social network site of higher education students and an integral part of the "behind the scenes" higher education experience Since Facebook’s launch in 2004, virtually all colleges in the United States (US), with a continuous increase internationally, have incorporated their internal networks within the site Research reports on the adoption rates of Facebook in universities and colleges: 85% of college students having a college network within Facebook have adopted it while 48%-50% of teenagers are active social networking users Facebook’s numerous features such as email, bulletin boards, instant messaging, video and picture posting and applications download supplement serve the educational function of enabling communication, collaboration and sharing between students and faculty
- 6. A mixed method approach was employed where quantitative and qualitative data were collected Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data and focus groups were organized for qualitative data collection Target population consisted of students coming from five universities in Cyprus: University of Cyprus, Technical University of Cyprus, University of Nicosia, European University and Frederick University. Random sampling was used to distribute the questionnaires during Fall 2011
- 7. 400 questionnaires were randomly given to students with response rate of 58%, since 232 completed questionnaires were returned Questionnaire consisted of two sections, Part A which collected demographic information and Part B which obtained information on social networking usage The latter collected information concerning access (the means used), frequency (years, hours and days), reasons for usage, kinds of activities performed, any memberships in interest groups and possible interest in participating in one or more of newly created MIS, Computer Science and Engineering interest groups
- 8. Demographics. The majority of the participants were 18-23 years old (70%) (female 55.6%, male 44.2%.) European (87%), 5% were Asian, 4% were African 4% American The majority of the participants were Business and Education majors, 37% and 27%, accordingly 73% of the participants reported using the Internet for 12-16 years, and 27% for 6-11 years
- 9. 65% of the participants checked their email accounts on a daily basis 50% of the participants used instant messaging daily Only 25% is using the Internet to play games. 45.3% of the participants use the Internet every day in order to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues 33% of the students reported participating in online communities every day 41% of the students use the Internet for study purposes, every day
- 10. 87% of the students, reported having social networking accounts. ◦ Facebook 82% ◦ MSN 64% ◦ Google+ 29% ◦ Twitter 21% ◦ Hi5 18% ◦ LinkedIn 9% ◦ MySpace 8%
- 11. 43% reported using the social networking sites for 3-4 years 68% use the social networking sites for 1-4 hours,19% used the social networking sites for 5-8 hours 60% access social networking sites from their desktop computer,77% from their laptops Smartphone 35% and Tablet 6%
- 12. Facebook (M = 4.4 SD = 1.08) MSN (M = 3.2 SD = 1.42) Google+ (M = 2.6 SD = 1.66) Twitter (M = 1.93 SD = 1.42) MySpace (M = 1.47 SD = 1.05) Hi5 (M=1.36 SD = 0.83)
- 13. Get in contact with friends, family ,colleagues (M = 3.6 SD = 0.75) Local events (M = 2.67 SD = 0.92) Education (M = 2.75 SD = 1.01) Entertainment (M = 2.92 SD = 1.08) Stay up to date (M = 2.81 SD = 0.91) Share video/pictures (M = 2.67 SD = 0.91) Share your experiences (M = 2.55 SD = 0.99) Make new friends (M = 2.39 SD = 0.93) Planning Events (M = 2.4 SD = 0.97) Date (Mean = 1.8 Std = 0.93)
- 14. Facebook and MSN ◦ Online communities 55% ◦ News Reading 41% ◦ Photo,File Sharing 57% ◦ Status up date 44.4% ◦ Games 38% ◦ Messaging 65% Google+ ◦ News Reading 14.2% ◦ Messaging 11.2% Twitter ◦ New Reading 10.3% ◦ Status up date 7.3%
- 15. Members in interest groups Interest groups uses Entertainment groups 35.3% Educational Groups 32.8% Sport 27.6% Fashion 25% Ethnical Groups 5.2% Keep up with topics of interest 52% Exchange information on educational issues related to my field 27.2% Meet new people with similar interests 23.3%
- 16. Find solutions to assigned problems. One student with a science specialization commented: “I have been struggling with this programming for weeks now not being able to solve the problem. I have requested assistance within the interest group and within two days my problem was solved”
- 17. Students use the Internet not only for social purposes, but for educational purposes Students realize the educational value of special interest groups Great part of a student’s life “is online” Students rated “Education” as an important reason for visiting social networking sites
- 18. The reasons given for participating in the Educational groups included the following: ◦ “Keep up with topics of interest” ◦ “Exchange information on educational issues related to my field” ◦ “Meet new people with similar interests”
- 19. Lecturers are connected to their students ◦ Inform and update them about assignments ◦ Upcoming events ◦ Provide useful links ◦ Provide samples of work outside of the classroom ◦ Share educational material Students stay in touch with their Lecturers and classmates ◦ Help each other with their class assignments ◦ Address any questions and concerns ◦ Collaborate on assignments and group projects