Facebook as a learning tool.

Abstract

This MSc dissertation is researching a novel field: the use of Facebook as an academic tool. It reviews the relevant literature, including theoretical papers as well as case studies, in an attempt to collect the available knowledge in the field and to make suggestions for future uses. From the experience that is drawn from the practical employment of Facebook as an academic tool, it seeks to identify the most common features, to draw lessons from their success or failure, and by bringing it all together, to build a ‘best practice’ model for employing Facebook for academic use. Furthermore, a suggestion will be made for Facebook use in a specific master’s class. Interviews with students of the class in question will be used to find out about their particular needs. The conclusion is that there is significant potential in using Facebook, yet there are issues that set limits to its use and need to be considered in advance. Through Facebook students can become more involved in the academic experience. For those who are willing to use it for educational purposes, without being overly distracted by the abundant temptations, Facebook can be a valuable source of academic as well as social benefits. On the part of the instructors, besides a significant amount of time that is required to devote to the initiative, careful planning and a clear idea of the aims and objectives for using Facebook is essential.