Let�s Face It: Integrating Facebook in a Precalculus High School Course

Abstract

Educators are constantly striving to meet the needs of their students. In modern education, meeting needs of students st usually involves the use of 21 century tools. When making efforts to meet the needs of students, educators should consider the characteristics of today's school aged students. Today's school aged children are referred to as "Generation-Z" or "digital natives". The terminology Gen-Z and digital natives refers to the group of individuals whose oldest members were born in the latter part of the twentieth century (Urban Dictionary, 2010). Digital natives have grown up knowing and using the Internet. In addition, digital natives are a highly networked group often using social networking sites to maintain their connections. Review of Literature Successful and effective educators in today's society understand how digital natives learn. Teachers need to find ways to teach students mathematics concepts that are more familiar to them and reflect the way they learn when they are not in the classroom, (Niess and Walker, 2010). Niess and Walker also conclude that with the PRINCE HYCY BULL ** By capabilities of digital tools students should not be expected to learn only through traditional lecture style teaching. A recent study revealed that middle school math students prefer learning through the use of video podcast rather than textbooks (Kay and Edwards, 2010). The same study concluded that students find video podcasting valuable in facilitating their understanding of mathematics concepts. Test scores of the students involved in the research reflect their perceptions by showing a 64% average rate of improvement. The gains in the study reported by Kay and Edwards were reflected in both regular education and special education students. Web 2.0 technologies offer many functions that appeal to educators who are looking to extend learning beyond the classroom. Web 2.0 technologies promote sharing, collaboration and authorship among groups of participants in a common virtual setting (Garner and Bull, 2012). In addition, Web 2.0 technologies revolve around communication and interaction while traditional websites only allow "passive viewing". Facebook is an example of a popular Web 2.0 technology.

Social Media to Promote Content Learning, Motivation, and Collaboration in Teaching Research

“…As a blended learning tool in teaching high school precalculus, FB was used as an extension of the traditional classroom instruction. Findings showed that students had positive perceptions on the educational value of FB and further suggested on supplementing traditional teaching with the FB group to promote a more effective teaching [25]. In addition, the educational capabilities of FB have a positive impact on students' perceptions on the ease of use of social networking sites.…”

Uses of Blended Learning and its Impact in a High School Social Studies Classroom

“…Social media is another digital tool that teachers can use to reach a generation of technologically-savvy students. Haygood and Bull (2012) incorporated Facebook as the primary digital learning tool in a learning segment. The students perceived that correctly done, Facebook can be used effectively as an academic tool.…”

“…However, students emphasized that using social media can be a doubled edge sword because students can oftentimes become distracted using social media in class. Therefore, the teacher must use careful and meticulous planning (Haygood & Bull, 2012).…”