Social Media Uncertainties: Preservice Teachers’ Use of Facebook in the Digital Era

Obonyo, Carolyne and Davis, Niki (2024) Social Media Uncertainties: Preservice Teachers’ Use of Facebook in the Digital Era. In: SITE International conference, 25 March 2024, Las Vegas.

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Abstract

Learning with technology should accommodate the changing needs of preservice teachers (PSTs) including a variety of learning styles and choices. Although the use of social media for educational purposes has been extensively explored, a comprehensive understanding of PSTs’ perceptions of Facebook as their preferred platform to support their learning is required. This case study explored how 110 PSTs at a large university in New Zealand were being prepared to teach in their future classrooms. Drawing on focus group discussions with PSTs, this brief paper highlights PSTs’ perspectives about choosing to use Facebook as a preferable platform rather than Moodle to support their learning. Generated themes from thematic analysis revealed that Facebook was used for collaborative learning and creating a safe and supportive learning environment. PSTs acknowledged that using Facebook enhanced their learning. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are offered for teacher preparation and further research. Keywords: Social media, Teacher education, Preservice teacher, Facebook

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General)
Divisions:	Institutes and Academies > Institute of Education and Humanities > Academic Discipline: Teacher Education
Depositing User:	Carolyne Obonyo
Date Deposited:	07 May 2024 10:37
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2024 17:05
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/2940

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