The effect of social networks and collaborative learning on student achievement in methods and principles in instruction course

Rapid development in technology affects every aspect of our lives, habits and our living way re-shaped by the various technological tools today. The use of computer-based technologies and internet changed communication and interaction with the varied ways and has allowed the creation of different online communities. In particular, development of web 2.0 new generation tools and technologies, so-called read-write web and collaborative web have led to emerge and an increase in the use of online social networks which is a new type of social networks by re-configuring the traditional web. Today, one of every 5 people is using online social networks and investigation of effectiveness of the use of these media for educational purposes has become a necessity.The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of online social networks with a ratio of widespread use in educational context. This experimental study was held with participation of 102 students from Usak University, Faculty of Education, in the Spring semester of the academic year 2011-2012. The study conducted within the scope of the course Principles and Methods of Instruction in Social Studies Education Program. In this study a Facebook application developed and used for a period of four weeks by experimental group of study. Reserach data collected by an achievement test developed by the researcher, student feedback was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interview form. To analyze of the data obtained from this study, reseacrher were used SPSS 19 package program, descriptive statistics, ANOVA and content analysis.Results showed that the experimental group?s scores which used the Facebook application in elarning process showed a significant difference in the total achievement, knowledge level, comprehension level, utilization level, analysis level, synthesis level, evaluation level of achievement and retention favor of the experimental group. When analyzing the students' opinions researchers have been observed that the Facebook application internalized and used easily by the users.Keywords: Social Networks, Facebook, Collaborative Learning, Principles and Methods of Instruction, Social Studies Education