How Facebook can allow us to work collaboratively....

As part of my digital marketing diploma framework, I study ‘using collaborative technologies’. The unit’s focus is on using IT tools and devices for collaborative working. Which is something that is inevitable in this day and age.
Most technology is designed to communicate with other technology in some way; from mobile phones being able to call each other, to one Bluetooth device connecting to another.

The capability of devices allowing people to work in a collaborative way is pretty much a given in this digital age; however, what is less discussed is the use of social media networks in a productive work environment.
Instead, it is often labeled a distraction and toxic to our wellbeing - especially to those dreaded millennials, glued to their phones!

I find this topic intriguing and so I took it upon myself to do some research into Facebook being used in a work environment. Mainly because it is the most used platform with 2.32 billion active subscribers. But also because, in my opinion, it is the most versatile social platform in terms of its content - from live video streams to link sharing. Did you know 71% of Facebook users have increased their online video viewing?

The focus of my research is using Facebook in a school as I think using a social media platform in an institution with young people would be interesting to look into. What with the controversy of the two mixing!

When discussing the use of Facebook as an educational and collaborative tool, it is important to reference the ‘Unified theory of Acceptance and use of Technology’. This theory aims to explain the intentions a user has when using an information system, but also their behavior as a result of using it.
The theory itself has four main constructs; performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. The first three directly affect the outcome of usage intention and behaviour and the fourth one directly affects user behaviour.

Since 2007, it has been argued that Facebook has the ability to encourage communication and collaboration skills of students. As well as allowing learners to create new networks based on their interests that may indirectly help with developing their communication skills.

The University of Utra carried out a study which looked at Facebook as a collaborative and communication tool amongst secondary school students in Malaysia. This study was based on the four constructs of the ‘Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology’ theory. The findings showed that performance expectations and effort expectations do not have a significant positive impact on behavioral intentions. The study also found that social influence has positive effects on behavioral intentions.

Another study was done by the National School Board Association (of America) in 2007 which found that there was a positive correlation between the use of Facebook and students’ performance. Although this study is from 2007, it is an important one to note as social media has become even more present in students’ day-to-day lives.
Students also develop both traditional and 21st-century skills including communication, creativity, collaboration, and leadership. This means that the role of teachers is transformed from just helping students in the physical classroom to now being a mentor and information provider about the internet.

When looking at the results of these studies, I feel as though the future for Facebook use in the classroom is very possible. Teachers could educate children on opening a Facebook account and invite friends to Facebook pages. There is the great potential for teachers to run Facebook pages for their students which acts as a forum for students to post any questions or points of discussion they have; as well as a virtual place to post homework assignments. Practicing this would allow children to recognise Facebook as a teaching and learning tool.

Overall; I believe that Facebook can be used as an educational and communication tool, allowing us to work collaboratively. Facebook gives us the capability to create our own pages and so these could be used as a group chat between us all and act as a virtual space for us to share work and discuss various college-related topics.