Social networking as a learning tool: Nursing studentsʹ perception of efficacy

SummaryBackground dagogical use of social networking technology in education is of growing interest to academics as a potential teaching and learning tool. However, the educational use of social networking sites such as Facebook is still under explored. Nursing students often perceive bioscience subjects as difficult and lack self-efficacy in their ability to be successful. In this case, as the final assessment for a bioscience related subject approached, students became increasingly anxious about their ability to perform in the assessment item. To better support students, a Facebook group was formed. ives m of the study was to examine studentsʹ perceptions of the efficacy of using Facebook as a tool to support study. enience sample of BN students (n = 533 across 3 campuses), enrolled in the subject Medications and Safe Administration, were invited to join. 373 BN students joined the group (70% of the student cohort). A solution-focussed orientation underpinned the management of the group. s riptive, online survey was administered following release of studentsʹ results for the final assessment item to assess studentsʹ perceptions of how effective the group had been in helping them learn. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative questions. Responses were received from 89 students (24%). Survey data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed thematically by the academic team. s ts perceived the group to be an innovative method of study support that guided learning by enhancing self-efficacy in their learning. Students also described how it was useful in promoting peer learning and engaging with academics. sions media platforms such as Facebook have the potential to enhance studentsʹ self-efficacy in learning and can support students to develop their learning to a deeper level.