Academic use of a group on Facebook : initial findings and perceptions

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Authors

De Villiers, Mary Ruth

Issue Date

2010

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Article

Language

en

Keywords

E-learning , Facebook , Interaction , Online discussions , Social networking sites , Study groups

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Abstract

Social networking sites, especially Facebook, are an integral part of the lifestyle of contemporary youth. The facilities are increasingly being used by older persons as well. Usage is mainly for social purposes, but the group- and discussion facilities of Facebook hold potential for focused academic use. This paper describes and discusses a venture in which postgraduate distancelearning students joined an optional group for the purpose of discussions on academic, contentrelated topics, largely initiated by the students themselves. Learning and insight were enhanced by these discussions and the students, in their environment of distance learning, are benefiting by contact with fellow students.

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Citation

De Villiers, M.R. (2010). Academic use of a Group on Facebook: Initial findings and perceptions. In: Proceedings of the 2010 Informing Science and IT Education (InSITE) Conference. Cassino, Italy, June 2010

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