Facebook as e-learning tool for higher education institutes

Abstract

World is changing day by day in every aspect of life. A Smart City is an answer to different challenges such as socio-economic development and quality of life. In the way intelligent technology has brought enormous changes in urban development by altering the relation of production, consumption and distribution, it is now bringing enormous changes to the education sector. By providing technological opportunities for various ways of communication, the relationship between instructors and students has improved. Taking consideration of Facebook popularity in students, we argue that it can be used for educational purposes as well. A research study was conducted to analyze the student’s responses towards the use of Facebook for educational purposes based on a use case of educational institutions in Pakistan. We distributed 180 questionnaires among graduate and undergraduate students, out of which we received 140 completed questionnaires. The questionnaire was designed based on the four variables: Student’s perception, Academic Contribution, Student Faculty Relationship, and Concerns for Privacy and Distraction. The results demonstrate the willingness of students to use Facebook and social media for educational purposes alongside with their use for social purposes. The way, the enhanced link between students and faculty can contribute to the enrichment of cooperation and interaction in terms of connectivity between people, urban eco-system development and Smart Cities.

https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2014.06.029