Integrating Facebook into a University cohort to enhance student sense of belonging: a pilot program in Sport and Exercise Science.

  • Teneale Alyce McGuckin James Cook University
  • Rebecca Maree Sealey James Cook University
Keywords: Facebook, university, student experience, sense of belonging

Abstract

University initiatives that enhance a students’ sense of belonging may increase student retention and the overall student experience. Previous initiatives have largely focussed on face-to-face interactions however with the high usage of social networking, an online initiative may prove beneficial. The aim of this study was to establish a Facebook account for a University cohort aimed at enhancing student sense of belonging. A Facebook account was established for students enrolled in Sport and Exercise Science degrees at a regional University. Ten weeks after account creation, students were invited to complete an online survey irrespective of whether or not they used Facebook. Fifty-five responses were collected. Most respondents (67.6 to 94.6%) agreed/strongly agreed that the account gave them the opportunity to engage with peers and the Sport and Exercise community and contributed positively to their University experience. Suggestions for improvement included more frequent status and information updates.

Author Biographies

Teneale Alyce McGuckin, James Cook University
Miss Teneale McGuckin is an Associate Lecturer for the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences at James Cook University. Miss McGuckin’s research interests include elite sporting performance and University student engagement.
Rebecca Maree Sealey, James Cook University
Dr Rebecca Sealey is a Senior Lecturer for the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences at James Cook University and is a James Cook University Teaching Scholar. Dr Sealey’s research interests include exercise for chronic disease management and the scholarship of teaching and learning within higher education.

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Australian Educational Computing 2013 Volume 28 Number 1 Cover image of a digital brain
Published
2013-07-31
How to Cite
McGuckin, T., & Sealey, R. (2013). Integrating Facebook into a University cohort to enhance student sense of belonging: a pilot program in Sport and Exercise Science. Australian Educational Computing, 28(1). Retrieved from http://journal.acce.edu.au/index.php/AEC/article/view/13
Issue
Vol 28 No 1 (2013): Australian Educational Computing
Section
Research Articles (Refereed/Reviewed)

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