Students’ Perceptions of Using Facebook as a Learning Management System at a Thai Public University

Abstract

Web 2.0 technologies have changed the manner in which people across the world communicate. Social media allows people to interact and share information. These technologies may be able to provide solutions to some of the issues currently faced in education. Facebook is a widely adopted and popular social media platform that could potentially enhance learning and increase course satisfaction levels. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of using Facebook within a university course. A closed Facebook group was set up and used to post resources and course information. The group also acted as a communication channel between the course instructor and students. Data for this study was collected through questionnaires. The participants of this study were 2nd year hospitality major students taking an English for specific purposes course at a public university in Bangkok, Thailand. The results showed that students were positive towards the use of Facebook within the course. The findings of this study can provide data for educators considering using Facebook as a learning management system.