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Facebook and Informal Learning

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Creativity and Critique in Online Learning

Abstract

This chapter examines the social media tool Facebook through the lens of teaching theory. We reflect in detail on the challenges such social media present to those working in Higher Education. The chapter begins with a review of the literature surrounding social theory of learning, particularly on the debates around informal learning. This is followed by a discussion of social media in Higher Education. Data from the Faculty Facebook page is used to illustrate how this technology stimulates and encourages informal learning. We go on to take a critical perspective to explore the ethical and practical challenges of using commercially controlled software within an HE environment. The concluding section then presents a summary and points to useful areas of future research.

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Correspondence to George Callaghan .

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Callaghan, G., Fribbance, I. (2018). Facebook and Informal Learning. In: Baxter, J., Callaghan, G., McAvoy, J. (eds) Creativity and Critique in Online Learning. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78298-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78298-0_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-78297-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-78298-0

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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