FACEBOOK, “FRIENDS,” AND THE HIGHER EDUCATION CLASSROOM: STUDENT PREFERENCES AND ATTITUDES

Abstract

This study explores student preferences and attitudes related to using Facebook in a higher education setting. The research questions guiding this study are:
1. What are college students preferences regarding Facebook use in a class setting?
2. What are college students preferences regarding Facebook friendship with their instructors?

Participants in this descriptive study were 169 students at a large public university in the United States. They completed an online survey about their Facebook use habits and beliefs in an educational context. The majority of survey respondents were female (88%), held undergraduate status (95%) in the College of Education (62%), were current Facebook users (95%), and ranged in age from 19 to 62.