The facebook tutor: Networking education

Education is about communication; yet traditional higher education methodology and techniques still permeate our institutions, while current students absorb information in different ways. Therefore, it is not surprising that undergraduate students find the higher education experience does not match expectations. This paper discusses the background and reports the findings of using Facebook groups to support learning and teaching across a range of large undergraduate classes. The evidence presented reinforces the view that such networks have untapped potential capable of making a significant contribution to the learning and teaching process. The results of this experiment demonstrate how teaching practice can utilise social networking technology to best advantage, to meet the needs of students and improve the overall education experience without losing the traditional student/teacher relationship. The utilisation of social media communication techniques increases student contact and provides a vehicle to discuss problems with the entire group in a fast, productive and interactive way, in any class, at any time. Undergraduates are hungry for relevant instruction through modern communication networks. If such networks are not available via UK campuses, students will look elsewhere.