Using Facebook to Build a Community of Learners
Design Pattern Tags : Course, Learning engagement/activities, WIL, Connected learning, Personalisation, Accessibility, Facebook, Online communication, Social media
Using Facebook to Build a Community of Learners Cindy O’Malley, Pauline Porcaro and Denise Jackson
December 2015
Abstract/Snapshot:
To improve communication with students and workplace supervisors and to facilitate a community of learners for students engaged in WIL.
Feedback from both students and clients has been very positive, and a number of students have also been employed by companies involved in the course as a client.
Learning Context This is applicable to any course, but is particularly helpful where students are not on-site at the university.
Rationale To improve communication with students and workplace supervisors and to facilitate a community of learners for students engaged in WIL.
Feedback from both students and clients has been very positive, and a number of students have also been employed by companies involved in the course as a client.
Resources/Technology Resources provided include the Generic User Guide which can be modified to suit use as a Workplace Supervisor User Guide, a Student User Guide or an Academic Supervisor User Guide. The Administrators Guide provides details on selection, creation and administration of the group and techniques to engage the students. The Quick Reference Guide provides simple instruction on Facebook use.
Case Studies/Implementation Apply to RMIT University for approval to set up Facebook Secret Group.
Attend Social Media Training—via DevelopMe.
Modify the Generic User Guide to specific requirements for the course—eg to create a Student User Guide and Workplace Supervisor User Guide.
Setup the Facebook Secret Group
Invite students by email, attach Student User Guide and Quick Reference Guide (QRG).
Invite academics by email, attach Academic Supervisor User Guide and QRG.
Facilitate student engagement with the Facebook site (several weeks)
Invite Workplace Supervisors by email, attach Workplace Supervisor User Guide and QRG; send link to video.
Outcomes The impact on Professional Practice in Laboratory Medicine has ;been significant. The students feel less isolated; they feel that
It is an informal way to ask questions and receive quality feedback. It also helped to see the problems other people were having and taking note of the solution for future use.
...the Facebook page has made communication very easy and accessible whilst on placement.
The Facebook page has been a great tool for connecting with other students and academic staff throughout the semester. I feel like it really gives a sense of community, and that there is plenty of support. I feel like it has been a great forum where you can be comfortable in asking any question.
