Facebook groups as LMS: A case study

Hagit Meishar-Tal,Efrat Pieterse,Gila Kurtz

doi:10.19173/irrodl.v13i4.1294

Abstract

<p>This paper describes a pilot study in using Facebook as an alternative to a learning management system (LMS). The paper reviews the current research on the use of Facebook in academia and analyzes the differences between a Facebook group and a regular LMS. The paper reports on a precedent–setting attempt to use a Facebook group as a course website, serving as a platform for delivering content and maintaining interactions among the students and between the students and the lecturer. The paper presents findings from the students’ self-assessments and reflections on their experience. The students expressed satisfaction with learning in Facebook and willingness to continue using these groups in future courses.</p>

Highlights

The use of learning management systems (LMS), such as Blackboard and Moodle, has become common in many universities and colleges all over the world
The Facebook group contains at Facebook Groups as LMS: A Case Study Meishar-Tal, Kurtz, and Pieterse least two of the three components of learning management systems, the digital content component and the interaction component, and raises the possibility that Facebook could turn into a learning environment and serve as an alternative learning management system
The case study described above demonstrates that design and operation of a learning activity within a Facebook group produces a very intensive and collaborative learning process

Summary

Introduction

The use of learning management systems (LMS), such as Blackboard and Moodle, has become common in many universities and colleges all over the world. In 2010, Facebook made it possible to create closed groups that allow asynchronous and synchronous interactions between members. This allows sharing of information, such as links to Web sites, text documents, pictures, and so on. The Facebook group contains at Facebook Groups as LMS: A Case Study Meishar-Tal, Kurtz, and Pieterse least two of the three components of learning management systems, the digital content component and the interaction component, and raises the possibility that Facebook could turn into a learning environment and serve as an alternative learning management system.

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion