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"Facebook," Social Integration and Informal Learning at University: "It Is More for Socialising and Talking to Friends about Work than for Actually Doing Work"
ARTICLE

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Learning, Media and Technology Volume 34, Number 2, ISSN 1743-9884

Abstract

Whilst recent studies suggest that over 95% of British undergraduate students are regularly using social networking sites, we still know very little about how this phenomenon impacts on the student experience and, in particular, how it influences students' social integration into university life. This paper explores how pre-registration engagement with a university "Facebook" network influences students' post-registration social networks. Research was conducted with first year undergraduates at a British university using an online survey. Students reported that they specifically joined "Facebook" pre-registration as a means of making new friends at university, as well as keeping in touch with friends and family at home. The survey data also illustrate that once at university, "Facebook" was part of the "social glue" that helped students settle into university life. However, care must be taken not to over-privilege "Facebook": it is clearly only one aspect of students' more general social networking practices and face-to-face interrelationships and interactions remain important. Students thought "Facebook" was used most importantly for social reasons, not for formal teaching purposes, although it was sometimes used informally for learning purposes. (Contains 1 table and 5 notes.)

Citation

Madge, C., Meek, J., Wellens, J. & Hooley, T. (2009). "Facebook," Social Integration and Informal Learning at University: "It Is More for Socialising and Talking to Friends about Work than for Actually Doing Work". Learning, Media and Technology, 34(2), 141-155. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

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