Date of Award
1-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Specialization
Communication and Leadership
School or Department
School of Leadership Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Alexa Dare
Second Advisor
Dr. Kristina Morehouse
Abstract
American engineer, author and inventor, Richard Buckminister "Bucky" Fuller once said that, "Humanity is acquiring all the right technology for all the wrong reasons." The apparent human obsession with technology permeates all facets of every day life including households, work places and especially in schools. Some argue that too much technology is just another distraction that takes away from the fundamentals of education and learning. Others would say that technology has enhanced the learning and development of America's youth. This study used Marshall McLuhan's media ecology theory to research the popular social networking website Facebook and its impact on the classroom, specifically how students themselves believe Facebook can be used to enhance their educations. Several university students were surveyed and asked to respond to how Facebook in the classroom changed their perception, experience and behavior in the classroom. A self-administered survey best captured the "actions and reactions of people" (Rubin et al, 2010, p. 218). The findings of this study showed that students themselves saw much benefit with incorporating Facebook into the classroom. The majority of respondents concluded that Facebook can help them better understand their work by enhancing the classroom experience, but there is also the negative aspect of the site serving as a classroom distraction. Using this data, a teacher, instructor, professor or educator can find ways to implement Facebook into the classroom culture to best serve their students.
Recommended Citation
Olabanji, Olajumoke, "Exploring and Examining the Use of the Facebook in the Classroom and its Impact on Student Success" (2012). Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses. 75.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/comlead_etds/75
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