Abstract:

Teaching science in general and chemistry in particular is becoming a challenge for the teacher. In recent years we have tried to open new routes to the teaching of chemistry, trying to understand the situation [1], focusing on new approaches [2], new platforms [3-4], remote labs [5-6] and analysing in a critical way the success of the results [7].

Young people in general, and students in particular use the social networks in a way that has become part of their own life. To them social networks are the main source of information, contact with colleagues and of clarifying doubts (either for study or otherwise). From the knowledge obtained so far by contacting students and their reality in everyday life, it is our opinion that social networks should be seen as a privileged way to reach them and to capture their interest in studying chemistry. Among the social networks available, Facebook assumes a prominent position, due mainly to its dissemination and the ease of use. In this communication we suggest ways in which Facebook can be used to enhance the interest of students in specific chemistry topics, connected with every day life.

References:
[1] Teachers use of computers in teaching – Portuguese situation; Varela, Manuela; Leal, J. P.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Belenguer, D.M.; Torres, I.C.; 2nd International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN Proceedings); Pages 4610-4618 (2010).
[2] Chemistry Test Generator Software; Varela, M.; Leal, J. P.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Belenguer, D.M.; Torres, I.C.; 2nd International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI Proceedings); Pages 6716-6721 (2009).
[3] Second Life: A fine way to spread chemistry through the internet; Varela, M. M.; Leal, J. P.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Belenguer, D.M.; Martinez, A.L.; 3rd International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN Proceedings); Pages 793-795 (2011).
[4] Moodle - A way of teaching chemistry in the 21st century; Varela, M. M.; Leal, J. P.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Torres, I.C.; Martinez, A.L.; 5th International Technology, Education and Development Conference (INTED Proceedings); Pages 4064-4066 (2011).
[5] e-lab Platform: Promoting students interest in Science; Leal, S. C.; Leal, J. P.; Fernandes, H.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Belenguer, D.M.; Torres, I.C; 4th International Technology, Education and Development Conference (INTED Proceedings); Pages 2810-2819 (2010).
[6] One example of a chemistry e-lab experiment: chemical equilibrium reaction; Leal, S. C.; Leal, J. P.; International Journal of Online Engineering 2013, 9, 44-47. DOI:10.3991/ijoe.v9iS8.3380
[7] The effectiveness of materials disclosure depends on the Web platform choice?; Varela, M.; Leal J. P.; Eds. Chova, L.G.; Belenguer, D. M.; Torres, I.C.; 4th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN Proceedings); Pages 6709-6710 (2012).

Keywords:

Social networks, Computers in teaching, Teaching chemistry.