Opening Facebook:

How to Use Facebook in the College Classroom

Terri L. Towner
Oakland University
United States
[email protected]

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2009 Society for Information Technology and
Teacher Education conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to propose the idea of using the social network site,

Facebook, for teacher education. Specifically, this research explores the advantages of this new

Web 2.0 medium, and illustrates the different levels of course integration at an instructor’s

disposal. In addition, it provides specific instructions on how to use Facebook and a discussion

of “best practice” policies that can be ethically implemented within the classroom. Specific

attention is given to suggestions for creating a professional Facebook presence in which future

teachers can emulate.

Introduction

Students are heavily immersed in Web 2.0 technologies (i.e. blogs, twitter, podcasts,

wikis, social network sites, virtual worlds, video sharing and photo sharing). They are crafting

on-line lives that seamlessly meld with their off-line world. Indeed, the internet is playing an

increasingly important role in not only students’ social life, but also academic. Educators are

now turning to Web 2.0 tools, drawing upon their ability to assist in creating, collaborating on

and sharing content. At present, little empirical research has been conducted on the value of

Web 2.0 in education (Crook & Harrison, 2008). Research has begun to examine social network

sites, but few studies have specifically addressed its role in pedagogy (for notable exceptions see

Charnigo & Barnett-Ellis, 2007; Hewitt & Forte, 2006; Mathews, 2006; Mazer, Murphy &

Simonds, 2007; Selwyn, 2007; Towner & VanHorn, 2007). Teacher education literature has also

started to address this area (Coutts, Dawson, Boyer, & Ferdig, 2007; Grant, 2008; Saunders,

2008).

Social network sites (also called social networking sites) are quickly becoming

ubiquitous online. The most popular of these websites are Myspace, bebo, and Facebook

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(Stelter, 2008). While technological differences abound, social network sites are “web-based

services that allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded

system, (2) articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and (3) view and

traverse their list of connections and those made by others within the system” (Boyd & Ellison,

2008, p. 211). Social network sites can help facilitate the meeting of strangers, however,

individuals are also using social network sites to maintain and/or strengthen their current, off line

social networks (Boyd & Ellison, 2008). Facebook, specifically, has been found to be used to

reinforce current offline relationships (Lampe, Ellison & Steinfield, 2006). As previous

communication technologies (e.g. email, chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.) have been integrated

into the way we teach and administer our courses, social network sites may also have a place in

our classroom. To date, the reactions of using social network sites for educational purposes are

mixed. Concerns related to privacy and anxiety in interacting with professors in this environment

(Hewitt & Forte, 2006), a belief that it does not serve an academic purpose (Charnigo & Barnet-

Ellis 2007) and the opinion that faculty should simply avoid “educationally appropriating” these

“backstage” social spaces (Selwyn, 2007) have been expressed. In fact, the expression, “creepy

treehouse” has been appropriated to explain educators’ use of online social spaces like Facebook

(Young, 2008). Yet, other studies have supported that notion of using social network sites in

education. For example, two-thirds of students surveyed in one study were “comfortable” with

faculty on Facebook (Hewitt & Forte, 2006) and another study found that 39% of college

students surveyed wanted regular on-line discussions with faculty (Fischman, 2008).

Why Use Facebook in Teacher Education?: Advantages of Social Network Sites

Facebook has quickly become the social network site of choice by college students and

an integral part of the “behind the scenes” college experience (Selwyn, 2007). Since its 2004

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inception, virtually all colleges in the United States (and growing internationally) have

designated college networks within the site. The adoption rates of Facebook in universities and

colleges are remarkable; 85% of college students that have a college network within Facebook

have adopted it (Arrington, 2005). Furthermore, Facebook also has a growing audience in

perspective teachers’ high school and middle school students. To illustrate, registration for

individuals age 12-17 grew by 149% between May 2006 and May 2007 (Lipsman, 2007) and a

2007 Pew Internet and American Life Project study found that 55% of 12-17 were using social

networking sites (Lenhart & Madden, 2007). Not only are many teens registered on social

networking sites, but they are also very active users. The 2007 Pew Internet and American Life

study found that “48% of teens visit social networking websites daily or more often; 26% visit

once a day, [and] 22% visit several times a day” (Lenhart & Madden, 2007).

In addition to the incredible usage rate among students, there are a number of unique

features that make it amenable to educational pursuits. For example, Facebook is equipped with

bulletin boards, instant messaging, email, and the ability to post videos and pictures. Most

notably, anyone can post information and collaborate within the system. Recently, Facebook has

opened up development of downloadable applications, which can further supplement the

educational functions of Facebook. While many of these technological tools mirror those found

in currently employed courseware programs (e.g. blackboard, moodle, etc.), the ability and ease

with which an individual (instructor or student) can upload photo and videos, the frequent and

seamless updates and maintenance, the generous 1024 MB limit on videos, and the compatibility

with a wide variety of web browsers are superior to some courseware options.

Beyond high usage rates and some technological advantages, social networks, such as

Facebook, can provide numerous other pedagogical advantages to both teachers and students.

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Facebook is a network that connects students with other students, indirectly creating a learning

community – a vital component of student education (Baker, 1999). Facebook provides

instructors opportunities and structures by which students can help and support one another by

building their courses atop the community already established by the students themselves.

Hamann and Wilson (2002) found that students who participated in a web-enhanced class

outperformed those students in a traditional lecture format. This suggests that Internet based

learning modules actively engage students in a manner unique from the traditional class lecture.

Facebook also increases both teacher-student and student-student interaction in the form

of web-based communication. Facebook helps instructors connect with their students about

assignments, upcoming events, useful links, and samples of work outside of the classroom.

Students can use Facebook to contact classmates about questions regarding class assignments or

examinations as well as collaborate on assignments and group projects in an online environment.

Building on the face-to-face, teacher-student relationship, social networks allow students to

glimpse instructor profiles containing personal information, interests, background, and “friends,”

which can enhance student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate (see Mazer et

al., 2007). Other scholars, however, find that instructor presence on Facebook has neither a

positive nor a negative effect on student ratings (i.e., likeability and respect) of professors

(Hewitt & Forte 2006).

Lastly, utilizing Facebook effectively in teacher education courses will help facilitate

perspective teachers to model what they have learned in their own classrooms. Teacher

education students will not only benefit by the classroom advantages of using Facebook, but also

by learning professional Facebook etiquette (discussed in the best practices section). Previous

teacher education research (Coutts, Dawson, Boyer, & Ferdig, 2007) and a number of popular

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press articles provide evidence that some perspective and current teachers have much to learn in

regards to privacy and professional/personal boundaries on Facebook (Helms, 2008; Shapira,

2008).

How to Use Facebook in Teacher Education

Instruction in using Facebook should be an integral part of teacher education programs,

particularly with so many different types of social networks emerging. As Voithofer (2007)

notes, instructing teacher education students on social networks encourages them to consider 1)

the technical and pedagogical characteristics of educational technology, 2) the social aspects of

educational technology, and 3) how to think about emerging technologies in relation to teaching

(p.11). It is important for teacher educators to introduce students to social networks. As an

optional assignment, teacher can have students create their own Facebook account and “become

friends” with at least one other member of class. Then, have students post appropriate, class-

related images, messages about course assignments and events, and course applications, such as

“Courses 2.0” or “Courses Connection,” on Facebook – persuade students to experiment with

different features (See Best Practice Policies below). Teachers who engage with a technological

medium are more likely to value that technological tool in their teaching (Russell et al., 2003).

Teacher educators should have students implement Facebook in a currently taught course,

focusing on integrating course content and objectives. When implementing Facebook, pre-

service teachers must consider a pedagogical rational for using Facebook as well as suggested

course applications. To further identify real and potential issues when using Facebook, teacher

educators can assign articles about the educational uses of Facebook. Then, drawing from their

personal experience with Facebook and the readings, pre-service students can reflect about

Facebook as an educational tool in the classroom or an a course blog.

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Levels of Course Integration

The following list provides an overview of the different ways that Facebook can be

integrated into a course. The Profile page is the simplest option to implement, whereas the

integration of Facebook applications (in conjunction with the other methods illustrated) is the

most comprehensive.

1) Profile Page: An instructor can chose to create a profile page for him/herself. The profile

page can be used to communicate with students via Facebook email, IM, or posting on the wall.

In addition, relevant videos, images and websites can also be included. Students could also be

exposed to relevant and educational Facebook groups.

2) Creating a Group Page for a Class: A separate page can be created specifically for a course.

Students can virtually find other classmates through this page, learn about their classmates,

communicate with their classmates and professor, and post/discuss relevant class information.

Professors can send an announcement to the entire group, set up and remind students about

events.

3) Replacing/Duplicating webcourse functions on Facebook: Discussions that traditionally have

taken place on webcourse boards can also occur on Facebook discussion boards. Instant

messaging functions are also available online. Instructors can post information and websites on

their profile and group page for students to download and use for class.

4) Integration of Facebook Applications: There are a number of useful applications that will

expand the functionality of Facebook for class. However, using these applications requires that

students download them as well.

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Best Practice Policies

As instructors create their profile and course functions in Facebook, what are some best

practices for using it effectively as a teaching tool? And how can teacher educators teach

Facebook professional etiquette? First, an instructor should create an additional Facebook profile

for professional use only. This profile should be entirely separate to their social/personal profile,

where privacy settings need to be implemented. The professional profile should contain contact

information, specifically an email address, office address, and phone number. The profile allows

students to learn about the instructor on a personal level, so it is important to include a few

photos, post items or web links, or list favorite quotes. While these tidbits of personal

information can lead to positive teacher-student interactions, it is important to maintain a level of

professionalism that does not cross the boundary of the teaching-student relationship.

Considering the latter, for instance, instructors should carefully screen personal photos and items

they post to their profile. In addition, instructors should refrain from talking about their students,

other teachers, administrators, and their institution on Facebook regardless of whether they are

professionally or socially using Facebook. Second, to connect with students, instructors must

inform students that they have a Facebook profile. It is not recommended that instructors invite

students as their friends on Facebook, as students may perceive this as an invasion of privacy as

well as intimidating. Instead, keep your profile “open” to the public rather than “private.” This

allows students to comfortably peruse an instructor’s profile without asking the instructor to be

their friend. Then, instructors can simply list the web link to their Facebook profile in their

course syllabus, email signatures or other course management software. In addition, instructors

can simply display their Facebook profile during class, inviting students to look at their profile. It

is also recommended that instructors mention that they will not be viewing their students’

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profiles and encourage students to designate them on their “limited profile” list (i.e. instructors

will not be exposed to all of the student’s Facebook activities). Instructors should demonstrate

how to use Facebook privacy settings. Third, to get students started on Facebook, instructors

should create an icebreaker activity on Facebook, such as a posting a topic to solicit student

discussion or inserting a video accompanied with study questions, to help develop a classroom

community and establish positive relationships. Fourth, when integrating Facebook into their

courses, instructors should designate student involvement on Facebook as an option, as not all

students are registered users, and provide students other alternatives. Lastly, if using the site as a

course tool, it is suggested that instructors post podcosts, websites, and videos on Facebook, and,

using Google Documents, link students to study guides, powerpoints, assignments, and tutorials.

Instructors can contact students via Facebook by sending messages, posting comments on “the

wall” or chatting with students during virtual office hours. By increasing student involvement

through communication and community, instructors can tailor their courses towards a variety of

learning styles.

Conclusions

It is our conjecture that the benefits of Facebook’s networking and social communication

capabilities can benefit both the instructor and the student by tapping into a greater number of

learning styles, providing an alternative to the traditional lecture format, creating an online

classroom community, and increasing teacher-student and student-student interaction. Efforts

should be made by instructors to expand their pedagogical portfolio, promote active learning

through a learning community, and to test the effectiveness of on-line learning communities

through social networks such as Facebook. Scholars should continue their investigations into

these alternative teaching tools to determine if the benefit of creating cyber learning communities

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to complement the traditional classroom experience is worth the cost of retooling and

restructuring. Furthermore, teacher preparation can be enhanced by creating opportunities for

teachers in training to see, experience, and effectively model lessons learned on Facebook in

their future classrooms.

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