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A Descriptive Study on EFL Learners’ Perceptions of Facebook

Year 2017, Volume: 21 Issue: 2, 381 - 400, 20.06.2017

Abstract

There
is a strong need to investigate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’
perceptions of Facebook as a language-learning environment, as their
perceptions that directly influence their language development and achievement
have not been examined within the EFL learning context. Thus, this study aims
to investigate EFL learners’ perceptions of Facebook as a language learning
environment. The sample group of the study consisted of 174 EFL learners at a
state university in Turkey. After administering a background questionnaire and
a survey that assessed their perceptions, the frequencies, mean scores,
standard deviations were computed. The results showed that Turkish EFL students
perceive Facebook as an environment for communication, interaction,
socialization, language learning and cultural interaction. It was recommended
that further research should focus on the variables and determinants that may
affect their perceptions to understand the theoretical and practical aspects
regarding cultural differences.

References

  • Abraham, R. G., & Vann, R. J. (1987). Strategies of two language learners: A case study. In A. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.), Learner strategies in language learning (pp. 85–102). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Aydın, S. (2012). “A review of research on Facebook as an educational environment”. Educational Technology Research and Development, 60(6), 1093-1106.
  • Aydın, S. (2013). “Teachers' perceptions about the use of computers in EFL teaching and learning: the case of Turkey”. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(3), 214-233.
  • Aydın, S. (2014a). “Foreign language learners' interactions with their teachers on Facebook”. System, 42(1), 155-163.
  • Aydın, S. (2014b). “EFL writers' attitudes and perceptions toward F-Portfolio use”. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 58(2), 59-77.
  • Berg, J., Berquam, L., & Christoph, K. (2007). “Social networking technologies: A ‘‘poke’’ for campus services”. EDUCAUSE Review, 42(2), 32–44.
  • Birky, I., & Collins, W. (2011). “Facebook: Maintaining ethical practice in the cyberspace age”. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 25(3), 193–203.
  • Blankenship, M. (2011). “How social media can and should impact higher education”. Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, 76(7), 39–42.
  • Boon, S., & Sinclair, C. (2009). “A world I don’t inhabit: Disquiet and identity in second life and Facebook”. Educational Media International, 46(2), 99–110.
  • Brown, J. D., Keller, S., & Stern, S. (2009). “Sex, sexuality, sexting, and sexed: Adolescents and the media”. Prevention Researcher, 16(4), 12–16.
  • Butler, K. (2010). “Tweeting your own horn”. District Administration, 46(2), 41–44.
  • Carrington, V., & Hodgetts, K. (2010). Literacy-Lite in ‘‘BarbieGirls’’[TM]. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 31(6), 671–682.
  • Catanzaro, M. F. (2011). “Indirect aggression, bullying and female teen victimization: A literature review”. Pastoral Care in Education, 29(2), 83–101.
  • Christie, E., & Bloustien, G. (2010). “Cyborg: Disability, affect and public pedagogy”. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 31(4), 483–498.
  • Couros, A. (2008). “Safety and social networking: How can we maximize the learning power of participatory websites while ensuring students are protected and behave responsibly?” Technology and Learning, 28(7), 20.
  • Decarie, C. (2010). “Facebook: Challenges and opportunities for business communication students”. Business Communication Quarterly, 73(4), 449–452.
  • Downes, S. (2007). “Places to go: Facebook”. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 4(1), 1–5.
  • Durkee, D., Brant, S., Nevin, P., Odell, A., Williams, G., Melomey, D., et al. (2009). “Implementing e-learning and web 2.0 innovation: Didactical scenarios and practical implication”. Industry and Higher Education, 23(4), 293–300.
  • Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). “The benefits of Facebook ‘‘friends’’: Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites”. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143–1168.
  • Gallant, D. T. (2011). “Protecting personal information on social networking sites”. School Business Affairs, 77(1), 13–14.
  • Greenhow, C. (2009). “Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development”. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(8), 10–11.
  • Harmer, J. (1991). The practice of English language teaching. New York: Longman Publishing.
  • Heiberger, G., & Harper, R. (2008). “Have you facebooked Astin lately? Using technology to increase student involvemen”t. New Directions for Student Services, 124(1), 19–35.
  • Holladay, J. (2010). “Cyberbullying”. Teaching Tolerance, 38, 42–46.
  • Huang, J. J. S., Yang, S. J. H., Huang, Y. M., & Hsiao, I. Y. T. (2010). “Social learning networks: Build mobile learning networks based on collaborative services”. Educational Technology and Society, 13(3), 78–92.
  • Junco, R., & Cole-Avent, G. A. (2008). “An introduction to technologies commonly used”. New Directions for Student Services, 124(1), 3–17.
  • Kabilan, M. K., Ahmad, N., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2010). “Facebook: An online environment for learning of English in institutions of higher education?”, Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 179–187.
  • Kitsis, S. M. (2008). “The Facebook generation: Homework as social networking”. English Journal, 98(2), 30–36. Manzo, K. K. (2009). Filtering fixes. Education Week, 29(2), 23–25.
  • Mazer, J. P., Murphy, R. E., & Simonds, C. J. (2007). ‘‘I’ll see you on Facebook’’: The effects of computer teacher self-disclosure on student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate”. Communication Education, 56(1), 1–17.
  • Mazman, S. G., & Usluel, Y. K. (2010). “Modeling educational usage of Facebook”. Computers and Education, 55(2), 444–453.
  • Mills, N. (2011). “Situated learning through social networking communities: The Development of joint enterprise, mutual engagement, and a shared repertoire”. CALICO Journal, 28(2), 345–368.
  • Pempek, T. A., Yermolayeva, Y. A., & Calvert, S. L. (2009). “College students’ social networking experiences”. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 30(3), 227–238.
  • Quan-Haase, A., & Young, A. L. (2010). “Uses and gratifications of social media: A comparison of Facebook and instant messaging”. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 30(5), 350–361.
  • Read, B. (2006). “Think before you share”. Chronicle of Higher Education, 52(20), 38–41.
  • Roblyer, M. D., McDaniel, M., Webb, M., Herman, J., & Witty, J. V. (2010). “Findings on Facebook in higher education: A comparison of college faculty and student uses and perceptions of social networking sites”. Internet and Higher Education, 13(3), 134–140.
  • Romano, T. (2009). “Defining fun and seeking flow in English language arts”. English Journal, 98(6), 30–37.
  • Ryan, S. H., Magro, M. J., & Sharp, J. K. (2011). “Exploring educational and cultural adaptation through social networking sites”. Journal of Information Technology Education, 10(1), 1–16.
  • Schroeder, J., & Greenbowe, T. J. (2009). “The chemistry of Facebook: Using social networking to create an online community for the organic chemistry”. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 5(4), 1–7.
  • Selwyn, M. (2009). “Faceworking: Exploring students’ education-related use of Facebook”. Learning, Media and Technology, 34(2), 157–174.
  • Shelton, K. (2009). “Using Facebook following tragedies: A lesson for community colleges”. Community and Junior College Libraries, 15(4), 195–203.
  • Shin, R. (2010). “Taking digital creativity to the art classroom: Mystery box swap”. Art Education, 63(2), 38–42.
  • Skerrett, A. (2010). “Lolita, Facebook and the third space of literacy teacher education”. Educational Studies: Journal of the American Educational Studies Association, 46(1), 67–84.
  • Steinfield, C., Ellison, N. B., & Lampe, C. (2008). Social capital, self-esteem, and use of online social network sites: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 434–445.
  • Sturgeon, C. M., & Walker, C. (2009). “Faculty on Facebook: Confirm or deny?” Paper presented at the Annual Instructional Technology Conference, Murfreesboro, TN.
  • Subrahmanyam, K., Reich, S. M., Waechter, N., & Espinoza, G. (2008). “Online and offline social networks: Useful social networking sites emerging adults”. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 420–433.
  • Taranto, G., & Abbondanza, M. (2009). “Powering students up”. Principal Leadership, 10(4), 38–42.
  • Teclehaimanot, B., & Hickman, T. (2011). “Student–teacher interaction on Facebook: what students find appropriate”. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 55(3), 19–30.
  • Thomas, H. (2010). “Learning spaces, learning environments and the ‘‘displacement’’ of learning”. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 502–511.
  • Violino, B. (2009). “The buzz on campus: Social networking takes hold”. Community College Journal, 79(6), 28–30.
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Waters, J. K. (2009). “E-portfolios come of age”. T.H.E. Journal, 36(10), 23–29.
  • Watson, S. W., Smith, Z., & Driver, J. (2006). Alcohol, sex and illegal activities: An analysis of selected Facebook central photos in fifty states. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED493049.
  • West, A., Lewis, J., & Currie, P. (2009). “Students’ Facebook ‘‘friends’’: Public and private spheres”. Journal of Youth Studies, 12(6), 615–627.
  • Wihbey, J. A. (2010). “College student social networking: Its importance and its issues”. Visions, 6(1), 20–22.
Year 2017, Volume: 21 Issue: 2, 381 - 400, 20.06.2017

Abstract

References

  • Abraham, R. G., & Vann, R. J. (1987). Strategies of two language learners: A case study. In A. Wenden & J. Rubin (Eds.), Learner strategies in language learning (pp. 85–102). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Aydın, S. (2012). “A review of research on Facebook as an educational environment”. Educational Technology Research and Development, 60(6), 1093-1106.
  • Aydın, S. (2013). “Teachers' perceptions about the use of computers in EFL teaching and learning: the case of Turkey”. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(3), 214-233.
  • Aydın, S. (2014a). “Foreign language learners' interactions with their teachers on Facebook”. System, 42(1), 155-163.
  • Aydın, S. (2014b). “EFL writers' attitudes and perceptions toward F-Portfolio use”. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 58(2), 59-77.
  • Berg, J., Berquam, L., & Christoph, K. (2007). “Social networking technologies: A ‘‘poke’’ for campus services”. EDUCAUSE Review, 42(2), 32–44.
  • Birky, I., & Collins, W. (2011). “Facebook: Maintaining ethical practice in the cyberspace age”. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 25(3), 193–203.
  • Blankenship, M. (2011). “How social media can and should impact higher education”. Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review, 76(7), 39–42.
  • Boon, S., & Sinclair, C. (2009). “A world I don’t inhabit: Disquiet and identity in second life and Facebook”. Educational Media International, 46(2), 99–110.
  • Brown, J. D., Keller, S., & Stern, S. (2009). “Sex, sexuality, sexting, and sexed: Adolescents and the media”. Prevention Researcher, 16(4), 12–16.
  • Butler, K. (2010). “Tweeting your own horn”. District Administration, 46(2), 41–44.
  • Carrington, V., & Hodgetts, K. (2010). Literacy-Lite in ‘‘BarbieGirls’’[TM]. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 31(6), 671–682.
  • Catanzaro, M. F. (2011). “Indirect aggression, bullying and female teen victimization: A literature review”. Pastoral Care in Education, 29(2), 83–101.
  • Christie, E., & Bloustien, G. (2010). “Cyborg: Disability, affect and public pedagogy”. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 31(4), 483–498.
  • Couros, A. (2008). “Safety and social networking: How can we maximize the learning power of participatory websites while ensuring students are protected and behave responsibly?” Technology and Learning, 28(7), 20.
  • Decarie, C. (2010). “Facebook: Challenges and opportunities for business communication students”. Business Communication Quarterly, 73(4), 449–452.
  • Downes, S. (2007). “Places to go: Facebook”. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 4(1), 1–5.
  • Durkee, D., Brant, S., Nevin, P., Odell, A., Williams, G., Melomey, D., et al. (2009). “Implementing e-learning and web 2.0 innovation: Didactical scenarios and practical implication”. Industry and Higher Education, 23(4), 293–300.
  • Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). “The benefits of Facebook ‘‘friends’’: Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites”. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143–1168.
  • Gallant, D. T. (2011). “Protecting personal information on social networking sites”. School Business Affairs, 77(1), 13–14.
  • Greenhow, C. (2009). “Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development”. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(8), 10–11.
  • Harmer, J. (1991). The practice of English language teaching. New York: Longman Publishing.
  • Heiberger, G., & Harper, R. (2008). “Have you facebooked Astin lately? Using technology to increase student involvemen”t. New Directions for Student Services, 124(1), 19–35.
  • Holladay, J. (2010). “Cyberbullying”. Teaching Tolerance, 38, 42–46.
  • Huang, J. J. S., Yang, S. J. H., Huang, Y. M., & Hsiao, I. Y. T. (2010). “Social learning networks: Build mobile learning networks based on collaborative services”. Educational Technology and Society, 13(3), 78–92.
  • Junco, R., & Cole-Avent, G. A. (2008). “An introduction to technologies commonly used”. New Directions for Student Services, 124(1), 3–17.
  • Kabilan, M. K., Ahmad, N., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2010). “Facebook: An online environment for learning of English in institutions of higher education?”, Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 179–187.
  • Kitsis, S. M. (2008). “The Facebook generation: Homework as social networking”. English Journal, 98(2), 30–36. Manzo, K. K. (2009). Filtering fixes. Education Week, 29(2), 23–25.
  • Mazer, J. P., Murphy, R. E., & Simonds, C. J. (2007). ‘‘I’ll see you on Facebook’’: The effects of computer teacher self-disclosure on student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate”. Communication Education, 56(1), 1–17.
  • Mazman, S. G., & Usluel, Y. K. (2010). “Modeling educational usage of Facebook”. Computers and Education, 55(2), 444–453.
  • Mills, N. (2011). “Situated learning through social networking communities: The Development of joint enterprise, mutual engagement, and a shared repertoire”. CALICO Journal, 28(2), 345–368.
  • Pempek, T. A., Yermolayeva, Y. A., & Calvert, S. L. (2009). “College students’ social networking experiences”. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 30(3), 227–238.
  • Quan-Haase, A., & Young, A. L. (2010). “Uses and gratifications of social media: A comparison of Facebook and instant messaging”. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 30(5), 350–361.
  • Read, B. (2006). “Think before you share”. Chronicle of Higher Education, 52(20), 38–41.
  • Roblyer, M. D., McDaniel, M., Webb, M., Herman, J., & Witty, J. V. (2010). “Findings on Facebook in higher education: A comparison of college faculty and student uses and perceptions of social networking sites”. Internet and Higher Education, 13(3), 134–140.
  • Romano, T. (2009). “Defining fun and seeking flow in English language arts”. English Journal, 98(6), 30–37.
  • Ryan, S. H., Magro, M. J., & Sharp, J. K. (2011). “Exploring educational and cultural adaptation through social networking sites”. Journal of Information Technology Education, 10(1), 1–16.
  • Schroeder, J., & Greenbowe, T. J. (2009). “The chemistry of Facebook: Using social networking to create an online community for the organic chemistry”. Innovate: Journal of Online Education, 5(4), 1–7.
  • Selwyn, M. (2009). “Faceworking: Exploring students’ education-related use of Facebook”. Learning, Media and Technology, 34(2), 157–174.
  • Shelton, K. (2009). “Using Facebook following tragedies: A lesson for community colleges”. Community and Junior College Libraries, 15(4), 195–203.
  • Shin, R. (2010). “Taking digital creativity to the art classroom: Mystery box swap”. Art Education, 63(2), 38–42.
  • Skerrett, A. (2010). “Lolita, Facebook and the third space of literacy teacher education”. Educational Studies: Journal of the American Educational Studies Association, 46(1), 67–84.
  • Steinfield, C., Ellison, N. B., & Lampe, C. (2008). Social capital, self-esteem, and use of online social network sites: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 434–445.
  • Sturgeon, C. M., & Walker, C. (2009). “Faculty on Facebook: Confirm or deny?” Paper presented at the Annual Instructional Technology Conference, Murfreesboro, TN.
  • Subrahmanyam, K., Reich, S. M., Waechter, N., & Espinoza, G. (2008). “Online and offline social networks: Useful social networking sites emerging adults”. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 420–433.
  • Taranto, G., & Abbondanza, M. (2009). “Powering students up”. Principal Leadership, 10(4), 38–42.
  • Teclehaimanot, B., & Hickman, T. (2011). “Student–teacher interaction on Facebook: what students find appropriate”. TechTrends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 55(3), 19–30.
  • Thomas, H. (2010). “Learning spaces, learning environments and the ‘‘displacement’’ of learning”. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 502–511.
  • Violino, B. (2009). “The buzz on campus: Social networking takes hold”. Community College Journal, 79(6), 28–30.
  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Waters, J. K. (2009). “E-portfolios come of age”. T.H.E. Journal, 36(10), 23–29.
  • Watson, S. W., Smith, Z., & Driver, J. (2006). Alcohol, sex and illegal activities: An analysis of selected Facebook central photos in fifty states. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED493049.
  • West, A., Lewis, J., & Currie, P. (2009). “Students’ Facebook ‘‘friends’’: Public and private spheres”. Journal of Youth Studies, 12(6), 615–627.
  • Wihbey, J. A. (2010). “College student social networking: Its importance and its issues”. Visions, 6(1), 20–22.
There are 53 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Makaleler
Authors

Selami Aydın This is me 0000-0003-4520-4421

Publication Date June 20, 2017
Published in Issue Year 2017 Volume: 21 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Aydın, S. (2017). A Descriptive Study on EFL Learners’ Perceptions of Facebook. Atatürk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 21(2), 381-400.

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