RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
Name: Syed Hasan_________Date:___9/20/2015________
Topic Selected:
Topic 1: What are the Educational uses of Facebook or other social media (e.g. twitter) (K-12 or
higher education)

1. LITERATURE REVIEW:
What does the literature/research say about this issue/topic? By using NAU
Library or Online Search engines, conduct a literature review.

You need to include 5 different sources (book, journal article, web article
etc.) in your review. Try to use current sources as much as possible.

You need to summarize and synthesize your sources by discussing a

common theme or issue.

You don't need to critique your sources

You don't need to evaluate your sources (if the sources are trustworthy,
weather the author has a bias or not)

You need to provide background information such as history and

definitions

Brief Literature Review:

The articles that were researched had very similar ideas towards the usage of
Facebook and other social media in the classroom. According to authors Boyd
and Ellison, social media is defined by web-based services that allow individuals
to construct a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, articulate a
list of other users with whom they share a connection and view and traverse their
list of connections and those made by others within the system (Boyd & Ellison,
2008). Social media networking has its own pros and cons. In the reviewed
articles, the common theme was that Facebook can be used in the classroom for
educational purposes. Some ways were by enabling students to improve
communication. This gave students the opportunity to stay in touch with
lecturers and others students easily if they had questions regarding an
assignment or projects. In addition, another article mentioned posting homework
(including homework help), and sharing news or resources to keep the students
current on what is going on in the world. Along with the positive stances, the
articles also stated some disadvantages about social media/ Facebook. For
example, Facebook can become a distraction. Teachers will not be able to tell
when a student is actually using Facebook to learn or to just take advantage of
being able to access social media for their own personal interests.

2. REFLECTION:

What is your personal opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the
research? If you agree or disagree, please explain why?
Provide examples/experiences regarding this issue from school
perspective or If you are not working in a school, from your profession. Be
specific with your examples. You can mention software/hardware names,
specific methods that you plan to use, etc.
How would you implement this research in your career? (At least 1
paragraph)

Reflection:
In my personal opinion, there are many ways we can implement Facebook and other
social media for educational use. One way is by creating a Facebook group for your
class to have a discussion board. In addition, teachers should post different articles that
the students can access. Currently, I am working in a high school and students cannot
access Facebook in the classroom. However, when I was in college there were many
courses that used Facebook. My Human Sexuality course used Facebook to create a
group that all students could join. We discussed many topics and would ask questions
and help each other will different assignments throughout the semester. We would also
setup study groups before each exam. This way we would all be prepared the day of the
exam.
In terms of my research, I have to agree with the results. There are many different uses
of Facebook for education. I also agree that there are some disadvantages as well such
as being a distraction.
During my days in college, the professors would create groups for us on Facebook. The
professors were all very active users of Facebook. One instance, I had come down with
a fever and was not able to attend class. The professor posted all the required materials
that were discussed in class that day. Also, other students in my class left comments to
help me understand the material. Overall, my experience with Facebook for education
has been positive.
I would definitely implement the research that I have found about social media. I would
implement it by setting up a Facebook group page for my college counseling class so we
can discuss different topics about the college application process. I would also post
different articles and worksheets that students could use while filling out their
applications. I would also post quick links to the Facebook group for different websites
such as FAFSA, US News, and College Board.
3. REFERENCES:

Cite at least 5 References in APA.

You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing
your sources in APA style.

References:

Aydin, S. (2012). A review of research on Facebook as an educational environment.

Educaiton Tech Research Dev. 60 (1) 1093-1106.
Boyd, D.M. & Ellison, N.B. (2008). Social network sites: Definition, history, and
scholarship. Journal of computer-mediated communication. 13 (1) 210-230.
Fewkes, A. M., & McCabe, M. (2012). Facebook: Learning tool or distraction? Journal
of Digital Learning in Teacher Education. 28(3) 92-98.
Wiid, J., Cant. M., & Nell, C. (2013). Social media as an educational tool: Students
perspectives and usage. Database: Education Source. 10 (1) 511-520.
100 ways you should be using Facebook in your classroom- OnlineCollege.org. (2009).
Retrieved September 20, 2015, from
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/10/20/100-ways-you-should-be-usingfacebook-in-your-classroom/
5 pros and cons of social media in the classroom for educational use. (2014). Retrieved
September 21, 2015, from https://www.schooliseasy.com/2014/02/social-mediain-the-classroom/