Social Networking Website Analyses: Usable And Instructional Faccebook

• Published in: Journal of Educational Sciences & Practices Vol. 11; no. 21
• Main Authors: Çağıltay,Kürşat, Tınmaz,Hasan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EBULINE 2012
• Subjects: Eğitim Bilimleri; Ankara; Türkiye; Kullanım ve doyum kuramı; Sosyal ağ web siteleri; Social networking web sites; Instructional use of social networking; Uses and gratification theory; Facebook; sosyal ağların eğitimsel kullanımı
• ISSN: 1303-6475

This study focuses on fulfilling a gap in the research methods and instruments regarding social networking websites’ usability issues and alternative use for education. With the extended potential of interaction, the intense multi-purposeful tools and the huge number of members, Facebook has a potential for being utilized for instruction. The researchers created two quantitative instruments from the literature and applied strategies for reliability and validity processes. The simple convenience sampling method was administered in order to have a large sample size to increase the probability of representing the population. Firstly, the participants (n=289) perceived Facebook as a routine, usable, safe and a social tool. Facebook is the leading example of social networking websites. The participants are satisfied with its usability, especially its search capability and its embedded content. On the other hand, the participants seem to question its speed and level of interactivity. Although Facebook offers many usage alternatives to its users, the participants focus on its social relationship establishment features. The participants use Facebook for keeping in touch with other people and sharing much information. Flirting and playing games were not listed as the reasons for using Facebook for this group of participants. Additionally, the participants were not in favor of presenting information where other users might reach them directly. Secondly, the study showed that participants (n=239) are not sure about possible effects of using Facebook for education. It might be a reason that the participants have not experienced or witnessed such kind of learning activities on Facebook.