Opinions of science and technology preservice teachers on the usage of social networks in education

In this study, it is aimed to examine preservice Science Teachers' opinions on the usage of social networking websites in teaching. The sample group of the study consists of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade university students, whose major is Science Education, that studies at Education Department of Adıyaman University. The study was conducted through the survey model which is a quantitative research model. As a data collection tool, two questionaires, namely "Attitude Scale for the Usage of Social Networks in Education" and "Opinion Questionaire over the Usage of of Social Networks in Education", were used. Quantitative Data were analysed through the software, SPSS 15.00. At the end of the study, with regard to the opinions of the prospective Science Teachers' usage of social networks in education, no significant difference has been observed over gender, grade level or the preferred tool used when logging onto the social networks. However, a significant difference has been observed in terms of the number of the social networks, and the number of aims in using those and the duration spent daily on those networks. Besides, through semi-structured interview in order to reach detailed data, it has been seen that preservice science teachers' aims in the use of social networks can be listed as: communication, following the agenda, photo and video sharing, educational uses, following important foundations and institutions, spending time and memory-exchange with friends. Preservice science teachers are of the opinion that when it is used timely and in correct place, social networks will benefit much.