Social Networks:FacebookBy: Cynthia Mulendema

Lusaka, Zambia

What it is!Formed in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg Facebook

has developed to become a widely used social networking tool with over 500 million users across the globe.

A social tool that allows one to connect with both strangers and those already in the social network.

Both synchronous and asynchronousAllows you to create a profile that is traceable

and accessible by others

2Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Why the choice?Wanted to look at Facebook as a learning

tool that can be used by both young and old (in Zambia Facebook is viewed as a tool for the young people and can be used only for connection with friends and rarely as a learning tool, although this is changing)

3Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

The Pros of Facebook!As a real-time tool, it ensures a quick

response from contactsAllows one to meet new people and even

reconnect with family and friends.Applications on Facebook are easier to useAllows formation of virtual communities

(allows people to check fellow users who are taking similar classes, living in the same area or coming from the same academy)

4Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

The cons of Facebook!Does not guarantee privacy for usersEasier for users to fake identity Addictive, has been blocked in some

organisations to prevent employees from wasting time Facebooking when they are expected to be working.

Stalking is possibleLabels acquaintances as friends

5Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

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Applicability to context!Formation of discussion groups with learners and

colleaguesAdvertising upcoming events to a bigger audience

as Facebook has many people using it. Reaching hard-to-reach

places/people/organisationsIntroducing another tool to connect with would- be-

clients would be costly as compared to using Facebook which already has many of the clients already using it.

Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Support for future work/personal useCollaborative exchange; photo albums, course

calendars/prospectus, discussion boards, training opportunities, lists of upcoming trainings/courses.

Networking with colleagues in the professionAccess information from any part of the worldMeeting new people and reconnecting with old

friends and familyAdvertising events/ courses to a larger audience

7Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Current Usage!Connecting with family and friends, meeting

new people and updating myself on what others are doing.

Accessing information from across the globeDiscussion forum with people with similar

interests Find me on Facebook as; Cynthia Mulendema

8Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Thank You for Your Time!!!!!

9Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011