Results of using Facebook to extend classroom conversations in first-year writing. Digital Pedagogy Poster Presentation - CCCC 2014

1. s
Graduate Student, Written Communication
Lisa Pignotti
Extending Classroom Conversations:
Using Facebook in
First-Year Writing

2. Creating a Class Facebook Group
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
Advantages
Benefits
Students can post:
Questions about assignments
Discussion Questions
Articles/Videos related to
research topics
Instructor can post:
Announcements
Documents
Surveys Questions
Questions/Articles/Video related
to research and topics
Privacy settings allow open,
closed, or secret groups
Ability to invite students to join
via university email
Purpose of group can be
clearly stated and remain
visible for students
Instructor can see who’s seen
various posts
Ability to comment and like
posts by both students and
instructor
Regular notification about
comments, posts, and likes
Encouraging
Student
Participation
A “posting” schedule divided students into six groups of
four. Each group was assigned a week to post, and each
group member was responsible to post an article or
discussion question relevant to class. The remaining class
members would then post one comment to a post of their
choosing.
Students earned participation
and assignment points based
on a one-time-minimum per
week post or comment to
the group.

3. Students, Facebook, and the Classroom
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
Social Media Use Convenience of Access
Frequency of Access
Once a Day
37.5%
A Few Times
Per Week
45.83%
Once a Week
8.33%
Never
4.17%
Once Every
Couple Weeks
4.17%
Yes. I’m already on Facebook doing other things
Yes. I don’t go on Facebook often, but it’s easy enough to check
No. I only log on for this class
No. I don’t have convenient internet access.
Other

4. Students, Facebook, and the Classroom
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
Student Reactions
“[I like that] people show
interest and different
insight to what we're
learning in class, almost
like an online class
discussion.”
“What I like most about the
Facebook group page is
that I can interact with my
classmates outside of class
whenever I have a question
about an assignment.”
“Facebook use to be
something I did if I had
time. Don't like to be
required to get on FB.”
I like it.
It is helpful for
assignment
clarification and
announcements
I like it.
The articles posted
have been interesting
and relevant to my
research topic
I like it.
It has helped me connect
and communicate with
other students outside of
the classroom
I’m indifferent.
I’ve found it helpful
and interesting
at times
I dislike it.
I don’t know why we
have this group page.
It is not helpful at all.
I dislike it.
I like using social media
for personal time only,
not for school
Other

5. Student Initiated Discussions and Posts
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
Posts Related to Research Topics Working Through Assignments Together

6. Lessons Learned
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
 More effective than email to communicate
to the class as a whole
 Students will answer each other’s
questions about assignments
 Engaging students in high-order
discussions is more difficult than in the
classroom
 Students do not like the requirement, but
most find some benefit in it

7. Lessons Learned
Lisa Pignotti, Graduate Student in Written Communication
 More effective than email to communicate
to the class as a whole
 Students will answer each other’s
questions about assignments
 Engaging students in high-order
discussions is more difficult than in the
classroom
 Students do not like the requirement, but
most find some benefit in it