The ‘Facebook' Effect: College Students' Perceptions of Online Discussions in the Age of Social Networking

Authors

Nicole E. Hurt, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Gregory S. Moss, Oglethorpe UniversityFollow
Christen L. Bradley, University of GeorgiaFollow
Lincoln R. Larson, Cornell UniversityFollow
Matthew Lovelace, University of GeorgiaFollow
Luanna B. Prevost, Michigan State UniversityFollow
Nancy Riley, University of GeorgiaFollow
Denise Domizi, University of GeorgiaFollow
Melinda S. Camus, University of GeorgiaFollow

Abstract

Despite the growing prominence of Facebook in the lives of college students, few studies have investigated the potential of these innovative web-based communication tools for engaging students in academic discussions. This study used a pre-test, post-test design in two introductory-level courses at a large public university to compare students’ (n = 107) perceptions of, attitudes toward, and perceived learning associated with two different online discussion tools: the Facebook group forum and a university-sponsored online tool. Although pre-course surveys indicated that few students enjoyed online discussions, postcourse analysis revealed significant changes in students’ opinions regarding the value and functionality of web-based discussion forums, with Facebook as their clear preference. Students who participated in Facebook discussions enjoyed the site’s familiarity, navigability, and aesthetically appealing interface. Facebook users also reported that they were able to become better acquainted with classmates, felt like valued participants in the course, and learned more course material. This study suggests that, if used appropriately, Facebook may help to increase college student engagement in certain learning contexts by cultivating classroom community and stimulating intellectual discourse.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Hurt, Nicole E.; Moss, Gregory S.; Bradley, Christen L.; Larson, Lincoln R.; Lovelace, Matthew; Prevost, Luanna B.; Riley, Nancy; Domizi, Denise; and Camus, Melinda S. (2012) "The ‘Facebook' Effect: College Students' Perceptions of Online Discussions in the Age of Social Networking," International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: Vol. 6: No. 2, Article 10.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2012.060210