Transformative Higher Education Teaching and Learning: Using Social Media in a Team-Based Learning Environment

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of social media to enhance teaching and learning in a team-based learning environment involving large classes. The use of digital technology via Facebook, enhanced team-based learning outside the classroom, complementing face-to-face lessons. Students were also exposed to several student-centered learning mechanisms including poster presentations and expert forums in an effort to provide them with a more holistic learning experience. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the educational theories of constructivism and social learning. The students' learning experience and motivation was assessed through content analysis of their reflective portfolios and their Facebook postings. The results clearly showed the positive impact that team-based strategy had on the students' learning experience and motivation. Facebook was indeed perceived as an innovative and effective tool in a student-centered learning environment that enriched students' educational experiences, increasing the relevance of the subject matter and encouraging students to collaborate effectively with their peers and faculty. From the perspective of the educator, the use of Facebook in a team-based pedagogy setting significantly enhanced the teaching and learning process as it allowed the educator to tap into the digital learning styles of the students and provided innovative ways of involving and motivating students in the learning process. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.