Huseyin Bicen
Near East University, Cyprus
Title: Effective Use of Mobile Applications in Education: Facebook as a Case Study
Biography
Biography: Huseyin Bicen
Abstract
This article examines whether using Facebook and other mobile applications for educational purposes affects the opinions of pre-service teachers attending relevant classes. A quantitative and experimental approach is adopted that makes use of blended and online groups, as well as pre- and post-tests. The study spanned more than eight weeks (45 hours in total). Learning materials were uploaded to the course’s Facebook page using mobile applications such as SlideShare, Viddy, Dropbox, and WiZiQ. Facebook, contributed to a notion whereby students perceived themselves to be participants in an actual classroom. This configuration allowed them to share information visually and vocally, subsequently enriching course content; in parallel, it also facilitated access to classroom materials regardless of locality, thus increasing learner motivation. Participants comprised third-year pre-service teachers. The research results revealed that Facebook integration exhibited a positive effect on student learning, motivation, success, classroom interest, creativity, and self-expression. The positive viewpoints expressed in this study are likely attributable to Facebook’s facilitation of information sharing via various mobile applications, coupled with the ability to follow other users and information sources. The tools discussed are simultaneously mobile and web-based, allowing students to pursue their education in either environment using a smart device or PC respectively.