Using Facebook for educational research: Choice, trials, reflection and insight

Abstract

Facebook status updates provided the data for a study into the transition learning experiences of first year university students. The research responded to criticism that research about social media and education tends to focus on how social network sites can be adapted or controlled in the educational setting. The research referred to here, used Facebook only to observe and archive the described experiences of the first year university student participants. This paper explains why Facebook was chosen as a data collection tool, describes the trial and error associated with recruiting participants, and reflects on the lessons learned from the process. Social network sites (SNSs) can provide a unique the insight into student educational experiences. Research which trials its use is an important contribution to academic discussion about their use in educational research.