Many online students complain about feeling distanced from their professors and other students during the pursuit of their studies. Facebook offers online instructors an opportunity to create many applications and groups that enhance their virtual classroom environment and be extremely beneficially to their students.
Class Projects on Facebook
Online instructors can use the flexibility of Facebook to create class projects. These projects are limited only by the creativity of the students and their instructor. Some projects include:
News Feed: This application can be used by instructors to have their students follow news releases on aspects relevant to their course work material. This material can then be discussed during class sessions. Book Reviews: This gives online instructors an opportunity to get their students to post book reviews about various books that they may be using during the program. Other students can then easily access this. Games: This can be used to bring some fun to the classroom environment. Facebook allows you to create simple fun games that are specific to your interest. Language Assistance: Facebook is available in many languages. This can be used by online foreign language instructors to practice their language with other students and native speakers. Create Applications: This application is most beneficial to students of programming and website creation. This is a good platform form them to practice their skills as online instructors can give them simple assignments that can be posted on Facebook. Teaching Aids on Facebook
Facebook offers online instructors various teaching aids that they can use to make their teaching experience easier and have a feel of being in pace with their wired students. Some of these aids include:
Make a Quiz: This is an easy way for online instructors to make simple quizzes that their students can easily access via Facebook. File Upload: Online instructors can easily upload important files that can be beneficial to their Facebook page. These files may include class syllabus, supplemental reading resources, assignments and test scores. Book Tag: This is a unique way that Facebook allows online instructors to tag specific books for class reading. The material can then be discussed during the next class session. Calendar: With this Facebook application, online instructors can schedule various class events that both them and their students can track online. Facebook applications also gives them reminders about upcoming events should they lose track of their schedule. Online Office: This is a word processing application available through Facebook that allows users to create Word, PowerPoint and Excel presentations without leaving Facebook. Online instructors can use it create amazing presentations for their students to access. Delayed Lectures: Online instructors can easily post pre-recorded lectures on Facebook for their students to watch any time. Educational Groups
On Facebook, online instructors can form various groups through which they can share information, meet other instructors, plan events or just socialize among themselves. Some of these groups include:
Educators Using Facebook: This is a group of over 1,300 instructors who constantly share information. Facebook for Educators: This group focuses on developing new ideas of how online instructors can use Facebook to enhance their student’s learning experience. Educators of America: This group is basically a discussion forum that focuses on the politics within the educational system. They also offer various online resources than can help online instructors improve their material delivery.