Facebook group as a space for interactive and collaborative learning

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the perceived implications on learning when making use of a Facebook group as a communication environment, along with the learning management system (LMS) course website. A total of 66 graduate students participated in the research. The main conclusion from the findings is that Facebook, although it was not originally created for educational purposes, can be used as a virtual space for discussion and sharing knowledge. Students reported being engaged in interaction and collaboration in the Facebook group as well as having appreciated its contribution to their own personal learning experience. Most of them would be willing to use Facebook groups as a learning space in future courses, without giving up the course website which is crucial as the main source of learning materials and course activities.