By: 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 asynchronous  Allows 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 contacts  Allows one to meet new people and even reconnect with family and friends.  Applications on Facebook are easier to use  Allows 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 users  Easier 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 possible  Labels acquaintances as friends 5Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Applicability to context!  Formation of discussion groups with learners and colleagues  Advertising upcoming events to a bigger audience as Facebook has many people using it.  Reaching hard-to-reach places/people/organisations  Introducing 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. 6 Social Networks: Facebook Cynthia/2011

Support for future work/personal use  Collaborative exchange; photo albums, course calendars/prospectus, discussion boards, training opportunities, lists of upcoming trainings/courses.  Networking with colleagues in the profession  Access information from any part of the world  Meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends and family  Advertising events/ courses to a larger audience 7 Social 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 globe  Discussion 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