Curriculum beyond the classroom: Exploring the use of Facebook as a learning platform

2021 IJRSE – Volume 10 Issue 6

Available Online:  5 March 2021

Author/s:

Khanal, Peshal*
Tribhuvan University, Nepal (peshal.khanal@cded.tu.edu.np)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2937-4906

Bhattarai, Devi Prasad
Tribhuvan University, Nepal (devi.bhattarai@cded.tu.edu.np)

Abstract:

This paper explores the effectiveness of a Facebook intervention in students’ learning through an action research project. This project aimed to provide students with increased and diversified opportunities for interaction, collaboration and learning. To this goal, a Facebook group was created among the students studying at the M.Ed. level specializing in Curriculum and Evaluation. Focusing on the learning contents of the Qualitative Research Methodology course, interventions were prepared and introduced regularly on this virtual platform. During the intervention, the instructors observed and analyzed the students’ participation and learning on the Facebook group regularly. After completion of the interventions, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted among the students to explore their experiences on using the Facebook group for their academic purpose. The Facebook group is found to be a platform to enrich and consolidate the learning received from face-to-face learning. Besides, this platform provides the students with the opportunity for interaction with colleagues within and beyond their classrooms. This group is also found to be an informal platform to bring teachers and students closer to each other which enhances opportunities for learning and collaboration. Overall, being flexible, informal and interactive, the Facebook group is effective for engaged learning.

Keywords: Facebook; Facebook group; internet; participation; learning; Nepal

PDF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2021.2

Cite this article:
Khanal, P., & Bhattarai, D. P. (2021). Curriculum beyond the classroom: Exploring the use of Facebook as a learning platform. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 10(6), 33-44. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2021.2

*Corresponding Author