# Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Facebook

1. WHAT IS IT?
Facebook is a social networking website, a space to socialize. You can not only connect with your own friends, but also give access to their friends`profiles.
Consequently, what attracts users is the possibility to be part of a community, to meet people you would never have met, to share their experiences with peers, old friends, teachers, etc.
By joining groups, or creating new ones based on their preferences, beliefs or recreational interests, users have found a way to expand their circles of reference.Thus, educators can use it as another meaningful tool in their aim to improve communication.
Nevertheless, it is well worth mentioning that a safe use of on-line communication must always be promoted.
Features:
* Wall: It is more than a space to send messages, you can upload photos and videos, exchange comments and, what is more, you can be informed about the activities of the users. It is a virtual blackboard where varied information can be exchanged.
* Video: Users can upload videos in Facebook. Some singers and bands have become famous by doing it.
* Events: Facebook is used to inform other people about oncoming events.
* Chat: Users can chat with each other.
* Network and groups: Users can create or join groups according to their preferences, beliefs and interests.
* News Feed: It provides updated information about your friends.
* Gifts: Icons can be sent either privately or not. Only the first icon can be sent for free.
* Status: It informs members about their friends.
* Market place: Classified ads can be sent.
* Pokes: It allows users to send a virtual poke to each other. A poke is a notification. It has been defined as someone patting your shoulder from behind when you are absorbed surfing the net.
* Starting a Facebook: to start a Facebook account you should go to facebook.com and sign up for it. It is also necessary to fill in the information that is required: e-mail, etc. The home is the main part of access to Facebook.
* Groups: it enables users to share points of views, your likes, different types of activities,etc.
The title of the group will tell people about the content of the information thus, it is essential to be as precise as possible when choosing it.
Discussions, pictures and videos will be posted and it is worth mentioning the viral effect it has, since groups may grow and grow. The more people join the group, the more successful it is. There are different types of groups: gathering, funny, hate, random, political, promise, charitable groups. etc.
* Profiles:It is the user´s personal information :sex,age,marital status, birthday, religion, etc. This information can be edited and modified at any time. There´s also information about: activities, interests, favourite books or music, job, e-mail, etc.
* Sweet:This is a courtesy application, by which you can give other people you care about:flowers, kisses, etc.
2. TEACHING AND LEARNING POSSIBILITIES
Electronic technologies can serve as an effective way to enrich the educational environment and promote student engagement (Kuh, Kinzie, Schuh, Whitt, & Associates, 2005).
Facebook connects people through social networks by allowing anyone with a valid e-mail address to create profiles, connect with friends, join interest groups, exchange messages, and post photos .Students feel they are part of a community.
Students use language for real communication as students are prone to post pictures of themselves partaking in social activities . Students proudly display the social side of college life that most people prefer to turn their back to.
Students acquire language when they hear or read messages and understand their meaning. Facebook provide them with visual aids, extra linguistic contexts.
Students work together and they can learn from each other .It encourages students to collaborate more.
It enables teachers to spend focused time daily with groups of learners.
3. LINKS
http://cit.duke.edu/tools/web20/facebook.html
http://www.openeducation.net/2008/09/04/social-media-facebook-and-myspace-as-university-curricula/
http://www.ictinelt.com/2008/02/best-practices-for-educators-using.html
It gives teachers useful ideas to use Facebook in an entertaining context as well as tips to use it safely.The link shows a deep pedagogical understanding of the tool. The fact that you can also find comments written by teachers who have used Facebook can be very useful.
http://www.englishtips.com This link deals with topics such as grammar usage for students and teachers.
http://www.englishlearner.com
It offers English lessons to practise vocabulary and grammar.
We think these links present clear ideas of:
* What a Facebook is.
* Differences between Facebook and other open networks.
* Uses as an instructional Technology.
* Additional information such as links which warn you against the potential risks of submitting personal information but also emphasize the importance of creating content.We strongly advise you to read 7 Things You....