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Makale Özeti:
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Web 2.0 and specifically Social Networking Software have become ubiquitous tools for
communication over the last five years. Across many disciplines, practitioners and
researchers have been exploring these technologies with the hope of tapping into their
perceived potential. Not least in this endeavor is the field of Education. Educators and
Researchers have been engaged in active research on the practical and pedagogical
benefits and implications of Web 2.0 and Social Networks.
This paper explores the use of Facebook Groups in the Undergraduate Computer Science
Program at the University of Guyana. Specifically, Guided Assessment strategies using
Facebook Groups are compared with unguided and non-assessed Facebook Groups.
Specifically, this study provides a comparative outline of the usage patterns of two (2)
Instructor-Guided and Assessed Facebook Groups with three (3) student-led, nonassessed
Facebook Groups that supported a form of Open Discourse. Results suggest that
planned and guided, instructor-directed activities provide more focused responses from
students compared to Open Discourse. However, information sharing and communication
is common among both groups and in similar patterns.
Particularly, students shared links, videos, and blogs with their colleagues. Planned
activities are recommended for specific course objectives, while students should be
encouraged to evaluate and share information among their peers.
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