Self-directed lifelong learning through Facebook: A pilot implementation assessment

Abstract

Social networking tools have reshaped the way we communicate; it is now much easier to reach out to targeted groups or even masses. Social networking has been broadly applied in media, marketing or in more specific contexts such as emergency response systems; however, its potential in information transfer hasn't been explored in the field of education. The Accreditation Board for Engineering Education and Technology (ABET) criteria require that engineering programs demonstrate that their students attain "a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning". To meet this requirement, a self-directed learning environment is implemented in senior level Process Control course in Plastics Engineering Department at University of Massachusetts Lowell. This paper presents the pilot implementation and assessment of the self-directed learning modules through Facebook. Program outcomes assessment and student feedbacks are examined to assess the pilot implementation and develop the program further. Discussions on applicability of this system in other engineering courses, and the effectiveness of the incorporation of social networks in a course environment are presented. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.