Using Facebook as an online scientific community where students can interact with each other and discuss chemical concepts covered in the laboratory

CHED 185

Jacob D Schroeder, jds4097@iastate.edu1, Thomas J. Greenbowe, tgreenbo@iastate.edu1, and Gerry McKiernan, gerrymck@iastate.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University of Science & Technology, 3051 Gilman Hall, Ames, IA 50011-3111, (2) Library, Iowa State University, 152 Parks, Ames, IA 50011
Online social networks such as Facebook have significantly grown in user volume across the world. The Iowa State University Facebook network is composed of nearly 35,000 people alone. Despite these numbers and growth in online connectivity, we have noticed a corresponding lack of user traffic with the WebCT® discussion forum that we had been using. In response to this decreasing level of usage, we have collaborated with our Science & Technology librarian to develop a group page on Facebook dedicated to our one semester undergraduate organic chemistry course for non-science majors. This presentation will give an overview of how Facebook has been used for the students in the course and what further could be accomplished with it. It will also focus on the differences between the two online communities, user volume, and the level of discussion that takes place between students, as well as between students and the instructor.
 

Using Social Networking Tools to Teach Chemistry
8:30 AM-11:55 AM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Oak Alley, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008