Evaluative study on the implementation of Facebook in an educational context

AbstractRecent researches on learning indicate that technology plays a critical role in changing classroom environments and restructuring schools to promote more engaged and powerful learning. Indeed, some evidence suggests that technology may accelerate the restructuring process, especially if it focuses on using learning resources outside the classroom (Pisapla, Schlessinger, & Parks, 1993; Jones, Valdez, Nowakowski, & Rasmussen, 1994). In this study, using Facebook in an educational context, teachers can motivate students to learn and also encouraging them work outside school. In order to facilitate the process more deeply and have better result, interviewees were invited to fully utilize the implementation in education. In this study, only English teacher was invited to the evaluation.

LocationITLC RoomP. 6 Classroom

ITLC Room

ITLC Room

ITLC Room

Classroom (Wireless Lan)

Classroom (Wireless Lan)

TargetP.6 Students

ToolsFaceBook (Wall)Computers / Notebook / PDA Wireless LanControl System (Xclass Vista)

ImplementationIn this study, I am going to examine one primary school how to implement FaceBook in primary 6 English writing lessons. All the materials were put inside the Facebook Wall (A wall is a place where students can write messages to the teacher). After the lessons, an English teacher was interviewed to evaluate the implementation. This study provides some insight as to the ways that information technology is becoming incorporated into classrooms and the challenges that it poses to the teachers and also to future teachers.

Methodology and Criteria Learning opportunities for children today are very different from what they were just ten years ago. One of the major changes is the increased integration of technology into their learning opportunities in school. A second change is the increase of students learning opportunities outside regular school hours.

Methodology and CriteriaDrucker (1993) stated in his book that we were entering in the knowledge society. In a knowledge society, the basic economic resources is and will be knowledge.

Methodology and CriteriaGood educational software is active, not passive; learners have to be doing something, not watching something (Schank, 1993).

Methodology and CriteriaThe web also provides access to experts and cases that can provide virtual hands-on experiences

Methodology and CriteriaThe Internet offers education a window of opportunity to augment the traditional methods, materials and strategies of learning and teaching. A recent survey result revealed that students are enthusiastic about using the Internet to help them in the classroom; they recognize its importance and usefulness as an educational tool, and are willing to face the challenges of cyberspace (Hsieh & Lin, 1998).

Findings The tools may change; the basic format of a teacher with a group of students will remain the same; that teachers will still be needed to add the human aspects to the information technology.

FindingsTeachers would use whatever technology was available to them, but the true essence of teaching is not going to change. Like the basic skills such as reading or being more discerning readers, and having better analysis and value judgment skills, would receive a renewed focus, but the essential teacherstudent relationship would remain basically the same.

Findings The material increased students motivation and student used the materials, the Facebook Wall frequently outside of scheduled time and often during lessons to brush up on points and for examination revision.

FindingsThe animated demonstrations, like You tube videos were especially highly regarded, with an agreed view that illustrating concepts in this way added something to the learning experience, which could not be provided adequately in a lecture setting. Students should participate actively in the learning process.

FindingsTeachers, therefore, should facilitate students to develop skills on accessing and processing information via the new technology and guide student to synthesize and apply information in meaningful ways.