Abstract:

In the university studies several e-learning platforms are commonly used to exchange information between lecturers and students such as notes from lectures, examples of exams, and so on. However, the use of social networks in the last years has rapidly increased, and with a great success among students. The authors of the present work identified that they could be used in the same way as the current e-learning platforms to exchange information.

In this study several networks were identified (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc.), and finally Facebook was selected to be used with university students due to its popularity. The study consisted in using this social network during one semester in different groups of about 20 students, and in a subject of graphical engineering. It was designed a profile inserting different contents, the type of information that was uploaded contained notes from lectures, exams, surveys concerning past exams, reminders, etc.

After the semester, the students that used this tool filled a survey, and the results were statistically interpreted. Among the most significant conclusions it was found that only the 59% of the participants in this study have used Facebook before. However, after using this network during several months, 72% of the students thought that its use in university studies is positive. After the experience with social networks in university studies some recommendations were also proposed for lecturers to be considered when using this tool.

Keywords:

Social networks, higher education, Facebook, graphical engineering.