A review of research on Facebook as an educational environment

• Published in: Educational technology research and development Vol. 60; no. 6; pp. 1093 - 1106
• Main Author: Aydin, Selami
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer Science + Business Media 01.12.2012; Springer US; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: College Students; Computer Uses in Education; Cyberbullying; Education; Educational Environment; Educational Research; Educational Resources; Educational Technology; Electronic learning; Equipment and supplies; Foreign Countries; Higher education; INTERNATIONAL REVIEW; Learning and Instruction; Online social networking; School environment; Second language learning; Social media; Social Networks; Teachers; Teaching; Turkey; Web Sites; Turkey; Education; Facebook; Educational environment
• ISSN: 1042-1629; 1556-6501
• DOI: 10.1007/s11423-012-9260-7

The purpose of this study is to present a review of Facebook as an educational environment, as research on its use within education is relatively new. The study is categorized into six sections: Facebook users; reasons people use Facebook; harmful effects of Facebook; Facebook as an educational environment; Facebook's effects on culture, language, and education; and the relationship between Facebook and subject variables. Additionally, the study compares Facebook usage in Turkey to its use on a global scale. To conclude, there has been a serious lack of research on Facebook's use as an educational resource, as current literature reflects how Facebook might more readily be utilized as an educational environment. Finally, the study ends with practical recommendations for researchers and educators.