ERIC Number: EJ1151192
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Sep
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-2395
EISSN: N/A
Using Facebook Groups to Encourage Science Discussions in a Large-Enrollment Biology Class
Pai, Aditi; McGinnis, Gene; Bryant, Dana; Cole, Megan; Kovacs, Jennifer; Stovall, Kyndra; Lee, Mark
Journal of Educational Technology Systems, v46 n1 p103-136 Sep 2017
This case study reports the instructional development, impact, and lessons learned regarding the use of Facebook as an educational tool within a large enrollment Biology class at Spelman College (Atlanta, GA). We describe the use of this social networking site to (a) engage students in active scientific discussions, (b) build community within the student body in class, and (c) promote communication between students and instructors. To achieve this, we created a "Facebook Group" page that students were required to join and use to complete the main assignment of this class, which was to read, discuss, and write about a science news article in the popular media. Overall, we find that Facebook, due to its popularity with students and its informal nature, is very effective in engaging them.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Social Media, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Science Instruction, Large Group Instruction, Biology, College Science, Communities of Practice, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Relationship, College Faculty, Assignments, News Writing, Seminars, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Telecommunications, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Resistance (Psychology)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia (Atlanta)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A