12078s

12078s

Student Presentation (20 minutes)

Macy Ring, University of Hawai`i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, mjhuynh@hawaii.edu
 * Integrating Facebook Into Distance Education and Online Learning Environments**

Enrollment in distance Education (DE) and online learning environments (OLE) has increased because of advances in information communications technologies (ICT), changing economic times, and the desire to improve skill sets. Simultaneously, completion rates of DE and online courses and programs have seen a decline. This may be due to feelings of isolation and the lack of support, interaction, and social presence. Facebook, the popular social networking tool, was examined because of its enormous user base, ease of use among students, and potential to build online communities. An online instructional module about integrating a Facebook Group Page was developed for university-level educators of DE and OLE. The module design was informed by Keller's ARCS model of motivation. Findings revealed that educators are indeed interested in Facebook, but are still skeptical about its educational potential. Many enjoyed the module and performed well, but suggested more interactivity, examples of successful implementation of Facebook in the classroom, and information about privacy and self-disclosure. Further and wider research about educators' attitudes of social media in education is needed, as well as, a better understanding of the factors required for a social media to be more appealing and education-worthy.

All Audiences Facebook social media distance education online learning social presence