Educational Use of Social Networking Technology: Facebook and Community of Practice in Higher Education

Abstract

This study examines the contribution of Facebook in the teaching and learning of grammar among a group of students in a Higher Institution. It also aims to investigate how this group of students functions as a virtual community of practice. The qualitative method is used in which interviews with the students are used as a mean to gather information from the participants. The results revealed that this type of virtual community of practice do encourage the participants in sharing the same interests and knowledge. They were found to be able to discuss and understand grammar concepts better. The use of Facebook serves as an effective platform in getting feedback for their discussions where individuals can intensely share information via synchronous and asynchronous learning.