Abstract:

Forty students participated in a facebook online closed group, as a complementary learning strategy, for the course of Teaching Techniques. All students are in the 7th semester at the Foreign Language Bachelor Degree at the Facultad de Ciencias Educativas in the Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, during August – December 2016 term. The purpose of this strategy was to support the course syllabus through uploading research papers, dowloading information, topics discussion, problem-solving tasks, and free writing. Students did both, guided and free activities as part of the course. Participation was compulsory, but the information provided by the students depended entirely on their reasoning, search or judgment based on the activities promts. A qualitative approach was used in order to collect and analyse the information since this methodology allowed information for the research and input to enhance the learning activities prior concern of the researchers involved. To match the qualitative principia and the teaching purposes, an action reseach design was followed to systematize this study, improve students learning, and apply the whole strategy. Among the instruments used, participants had to answer a questionnaire, and researches had to develop a research journal. Evidences show that participants had a quick access to activities directions, hints, and revision comments. The permanent access to documents and activities make students feel sure to accomplish their tasks. Support and suggestions were multidirectional allowing improvement and learning. Motivation and participation among students were evident. As sum, Facebook complemented learning in formal instruction, enhanced learning through planned activities, and motivated students’ participation.

Keywords:

Facebook, online course, formal instruction.