Background
Facebook, belongs to Web 2.0 and is the largest multi-language site on the Internet. Limited knowledge and decontextualized learning act as impediments in authentic learning. Facebook can foster social connections to increase engagement, ensure equal access to resources and can help teachers and students achieve better results.
Facebook @ Classroom
Time allocated for teaching and learning is usually fixed in a usual classroom. The learning through Facebook is not bound by constraints of time and space. This provides students ample opportunities for direct interaction with the real users offering contextualised learning. Further, Facebook provides an amicable environment to the shy and reluctant participants as well to come up with their ideas.
How it can be built?
Hereare some of the points that teachers could use to integrate Facebook in learning:
- Assign students to news feeds such as ET Now, CNBC and similar reliable news sources and ask them to summarize it, in the classroom.
- Ask students to join groups associated with the learning subject and participate in discussion or share relevant links.
- Use cartoons and photos to elicit student’s comments and ideas.
- Foster debates, encourage share of personal stories, post relevant links to the group, post assignments/projects.
- Make short posts as it gains more likes, comments and share.
- Use polls to get invaluable feedback of learners.
- Focus on visuals to attract learners.
- Use reminders and notifications to keep students updated.
- Over Facebook, learners can be paired with real life users and teacher can work closely to design a learning activity.
Caution by Teachers
Effective use of Facebook coupled with teacher’s facilitation skill can strengthen learning. Care must be taken to:
- Ensure students have clarity on how to go about with completing the task.
- Facilitate dynamic interaction between teachers, learners and real life applicators as it is crucial.
- Make evaluation part of course to encourage higher learner participation.
- Apply the principle of reciprocity so that both groups support each other and the principle of autonomy, wherein both groups take control of their own learning.
Concluding Remarks
Integrating Facebook into teaching enables learners to gain contextualized insights. However, teachers need to be properly briefed on integrating it in their teachings. If this article has inspired you to experiment with the use of Facebook as a learning medium, create a Facebook Group of your interest, encourage your contacts to join the group, analyse their interactions on the group and the learning that has evolved from it.
Learners’ Opportunity
Social media are effective tools of learning. Online MBA program offered by IFHE encourages the learners to tap the learning potential of social media in many ways. To know more, check out @ https://online.ifheindia.org/
Discussion Questions
Do you think extensive use of social media can also cause distraction to the learner? Why?
Source Articles
- Alberth, A. et.al. (2014, December). Utilising Facebook to Enhance Students’ Learning and Learning Experience in the Digital Era: Promises and Possibilities.
- Forbes Council Members. (2021, 26 January). 10 Innovative Ways Brands Can Leverage Facebook And Instagram Stories.
- Pappas, C. (2015, 31 May). Using facebook for elearning: the ultimate guide for elearning professionals.
- James Wooding, Tabitha Lambe, Matthew Riley. (2021) A response to: Twelve tips for using Facebook as a learning platform.