Title: Affordances of Facebook for learning

Authors: Yazid Idris, Qiyun Wang

Addresses: Instructional Design and Technology, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore. ' Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore

Abstract: Web 2.0 is a new generation of web-based tools that facilitate sharing, interaction and collaboration among its users. Facebook is a sample of Web 2.0 tools. It is initially designed for the social interaction purpose. However, it has great potentials for teaching and learning. In this article, the affordances of Facebook are presented in pedagogical, social and technological perspectives. In terms of pedagogical affordances, Facebook supports innovative learning approaches, motivates students| participation, present multimedia materials and enables students| reflections. Regard to social affordances, it supports interaction in different scopes (such as peer-to-peer, small group and whole class) and communication in different formats (asynchronous and synchronous). With respect to technological affordances, it is an open and customisable environment. It is free and supports fast internet access.

Keywords: Facebook; pedagogical affordances; social affordances; technological affordances; Web 2.0; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2009.025031

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2009 Vol.19 No.2/3, pp.247 - 255

Published online: 10 May 2009 *

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