Facebook is one of the most used website in the internet nowadays. It has over 800 million users and the numbers are still growing. Although, Facebook can be used for different purposes, using Facebook for education seems to be a trend in this modern time.
Effects of Facebook
Facebook is a social networking site which offers a lot of features that can be used by its users. In education, Facebook can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Most people see the disadvantages of this website because of the reputation it had about people having to spend too much time in Facebook with no productivity. But if you look on the brighter side, there is so much to be considered. You can socialize, share useful content and when it comes to education, provide information and educational materials for students and teachers as well.
Facebook in Education
Facebook for education can be used in different forms and styles. Facebook education can even be considered a modern way of administering education to modern-age students. But how can an educational practitioner be able to effectively use Facebook as a tool for improving learning for students and how can students also use it to have a better experience in learning?
Teachers
• Create a Group – creating a group will create a place for your students to chat with other students in a more private manner. This will allow students and teachers to share information and educational materials for a better learning experience.
• Initiate interesting and useful discussions – this will encourage student participation. Most of the time, the students who are not able to express themselves in the classroom will be able to participate in online discussions.
• Use modern media – videos, photos and other kinds of media will most likely raise the interests of your students. This helps a lot in Facebook education.
• Introduce new ways of interaction – create discussions, post questions, form forums and other activities that will entice students to participate and interact with you, as the teacher, and other students.
• Be professional – educators should keep their online reputation clean especially in Facebook. Remember, even a single scandalous photo or offensive comment will jeopardize your reputation as an educator.
• Have fun yet still be organized – Using Facebook for education is an exciting activity in a student’s point-of-view. But as an educator you must introduce a fun experience to the students without compromising the fact that you are building an educational community.
Students
• Participate in groups – this is a good way of creating a good bond with fellow students online
• Encourage fellow students to join – the more students participating in a group means more friends and more people to share information with.
• Be involved in applications usage – educational applications are available in Facebook which can be used by students.
Facebook could be a great tool for learning and teaching if used properly. There are more things to do with social media and it all starts with an initiative to provide better education. Using Facebook for education is a new way to engage with students who are more into digital activities.
RSS
