Abstract
Undeniably, Facebook has become a significant part of students’ life in the 21st century. Therefore, interactions between instructors and students play a major role in learning through an online social learning environment like Facebook. Such an interaction is known as the key elements that can measure students’ learning process, particularly in an online learning environment. Past researchers have agreed that a social networking site does not only promote social interaction but also have high potential to be used for teaching and learning purposes. However, interactions that occur in social networking sites are meaningless due to lack of proper guidance. Lack of proper guidance will lead to no or little intellectual growth among students because the students might be very likely to discuss unrelated topics. Therefore, the goal of this study is to discuss the social interactions that exist in Facebook and its potential as a platform to enhance meaningful learning among students.
Highlights
The social networking sites exist concurrent with the inclination of university students towards learning in an online environment
Social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook has proven to be attractive to students in high school, college, and university because the platform brings orientation towards self-presentation, the viewing of other’s personal information, and multiple means of communication [1]
One study revealed that social interaction that occurs in a social networking environment might bring strong student engagement; students would give response to their friends’ works, share various resources, post questions, and discuss particular topics [17]
Summary
The social networking sites exist concurrent with the inclination of university students towards learning in an online environment. Most social networking sites including Facebook provide multiple services, such as instant messaging, blogging, photo-sharing, emailing, and chatting services All of these services allow students to interact with each other. The Facebook site has become a platform for students and teachers to be connected This connection allows them to communicate and share their thoughts, emotions, facts, and opinions without feeling hesitant and shy towards others because the communications take place virtually. Facebook allows interactions between members in a learning environment, , the conversations that take place can be ineffective because students may prone to discuss unrelated topics, without the guidance from instructors or skillful peers. This study intends to discuss the educational potential of Facebook as a platform of social interaction for meaningful learning
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
