Student-Initiated Use of Facebook for Learning Online Journalism

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Song

This article presents a case study of student-initiated use of Facebook Groups in doing a team project for an online journalism course. Drawing upon the concept of affinity space and a theoretical taxonomy of asynchronous online discussion, the present study triangulates classroom observation, semi-structured student interviews, and microanalysis of posting activities of a student-initiated Facebook group. The findings suggest a shift of attention from instructor-centered course design to student-initiated use of social networking sites for learning online journalism. Instructors are invited to position themselves as facilitators and to take an intersubjective stance when designing computer-assisted learning activities.

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Büşra Özmen ◽  
Bünyamin Atıcı

Abstract The general aim of this study is to determine the effects of learning management systems supported by social networking sites on learners’ academic achievements in distance education. The study group consisted of 75 undergraduate students from a state university in eastern Turkey. The data for the study, in which an experimental research design was used, were collected through an achievement test, which consisted of 40 multiple-choice questions. Within the scope of the research, a learning management system and a social networking site were utilized in a distance education course. As a result of the research, it was seen that social network supported distance learning activities created a more positive effect on the achievements of the learners than the distance learning activities. Also, it was determined that social network supported distance education activities were more effective in the acquisition of behaviours at the knowledge level of the cognitive domain than activities in other groups; however, the groups were not different from each other in relation to the acquisition of behaviours at the comprehension level of the cognitive domain. In this context, it was concluded that the learning management systems used in distance education should be supported by social networking sites to increase the academic achievement of learners.


Author(s):  
George Veletsianos ◽  
Cesar Navarrete

<p>While the potential of social networking sites to contribute to educational endeavors is highlighted by researchers and practitioners alike, empirical evidence on the use of such sites for formal online learning is scant. To fill this gap in the literature, we present a case study of learners’ perspectives and experiences in an online course taught using the Elgg online social network. Findings from this study indicate that learners enjoyed and appreciated both the social learning experience afforded by the online social network and supported one another in their learning, enhancing their own and other students’ experiences. Conversely, results also indicate that students limited their participation to course-related and graded activities, exhibiting little use of social networking and sharing. Additionally, learners needed support in managing the expanded amount of information available to them and devised strategies and “workarounds” to manage their time and participation.<br /><strong></strong></p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Posigha Bassil Ebiwolate ◽  
Ojohwoh Rose

This study investigates the perception and use of social networking sites among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The main purpose of the study is ascertained the popularly used SNS, the purpose of using the SNSs, the perception of students towards SNSs and identity the impact of the use of SNSs by the undergraduate students. The study adopted descriptive research. The population of the study is 300 registered undergraduate students of Niger Delta University Library. Questionnaire was used to collected data. The result shows that Facebook, Google and WhatsApp are the popularly used social networking sites. Social relation, academic learning activities, sharing of information, etc. are the purpose of using social networking sites. The findings also revealed positive perception towards the use of social networking sites and, positive impact of using social networking sites. Arising from the findings some recommendations were made.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 2613-2628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elija Cassidy

This article conceptualises ‘participatory reluctance’ as a particular orientation to social media that problematises binarised notions of connection and disconnection in social networking sites. It qualitatively examines how the concept has functioned within gay men’s social networking service, Gaydar, among 18- to 28-year-old users of the site in Brisbane, Australia. Participatory reluctance is shown to be a central aspect of the culture of this space, fostered among the studied demographic by the convergence of the growing global push for marriage equality and increasing normalisation of the kinds of gay male identities commonly adopted among this group, with three key factors rooted primarily in Gaydar’s design: (1) young users’ perceptions of the site as a space for procuring casual sex, (2) their perceptions of the imagined user as embodying existing stereotypes of gay masculinity and (3) a lack of genuine alternatives in terms of niche digital spaces for gay men’s social networking.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Biggar

The increased attention to environmental issues of sustainability and green consumerism in the media has been accompanied by a rise in citizens' interest 'to do their part' for the environment. At the level of the consumer, 'going-green' has become a popular trend aimed at curbing environmental impact by using less and living in more responsible ways. To support this, there are an increasing number of content providers (e.g. web sites) that are combining green lifestyle tips, carbon calculator options, and community forums through interactive platforms. These measures are based on the belief that signing up with these sites and adopting environmentally sustainable behaviours will have positive influences on improving our environment (e.g., lowering green house gases). However, there have not been comprehensive studies to examine this proposition. Research efforts examining the ways in which networked communication and information technologies can foster environmental participation online are nascent, and there remain significant knowledge gaps as to how individual involvement with environmental initiatives can be leveraged by interactive technologies found on the web. This Major Research Paper (MRP) illustrates a case study that aimed to encourage positive environmental outcomes through online support initiatives. It assesses the influence of the Internet as a tool for engaging people in environmental issues of emissions reduction, sustainable lifestyle choices, ecologically-friendly products, and consumer responsibility in the 'going-green' marketplace. This is illustrated through a review ofliterature and a qualitative case study. Research perspectives from environmental communication, psychology and climate change (behavioural and social psychological orientation), and Internet studies (Information and communication technology (lCT), new media theory, web 2.0 (the network society) are reviewed. Further, this paper maps dimensions between these knowledge areas, discuss sites of engagement, and recommends future research questions based on the current research environment. The case study explores user motivations, barriers to participation, and member experience in Cisco-CBC's One Million Acts of Green (OMAoG) campaign. Qualitative research methods are utilized to reveal the state of environmental consciousness in participants. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with individuals and groups involved in the OMAoG campaign. This occurred during a research internship with MIT ACS Ontario, Ryerson University, and GCI Canada during the fall of2009. The purpose of this major paper is to (1) expose user experience, perceptions, and beliefs in the OMAoG campaign, (2) provide empirical insight into the functionality and impact of environmental social networking sites, and (3) lay the groundwork for more directive research on this knowledge intersection. It also offers important insight to environmental companies for engaging communities in 21st century environmentalism and improving the ways action-oriented environmental web sites function.


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