Digital media used to be viewed as a “distraction” in learning by most parents and teachers. However, this perspective has been changing lately. In fact, one school has even bucked the trend and started using Facebook – a social network – in teaching a subject.

In Amsterdam, the 43 Gymnasium Secondary School utilizes Facebook in conducting history lessons. Having recognized their pupils’ affinity for using social media, the school uses the social network’s Timeline feature in discussing significant historical events.

In some classrooms, Facebook has been used as an effective tool to teach history. (Image: Weigle Information Commons (CC) via Flickr)

According to Mashable, Facebook enables learners to gain a wider understanding of culture, society, milestones, and trends. This is because the social site features a chronological timeline where people can post links and multimedia about various subjects.

In a video, one student shares that their school wanted to make the history subject more exciting. Hence, materials from history books were brought to a new platform where history is “recorded” practically every single day. The idea is for students to “experience” history as they happened. Lessons are taught using audio, video, pictures, and other materials.

In addition, the students are encouraged to post their comments and questions anywhere on their Facebook Timeline page. Teachers can also initiate discussions and allow their students to learn and participate at any time.

Notably, the pupils at 43 Gymnasium Secondary School are currently learning about four important historical events, namely: Magellan’s voyage, inventions of the 20th century, fashion from 1950 to the present, and the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. All of these can be viewed on their Facebook Timeline page.

About Neal Alfie Lasta

I enjoy learning and writing about social media and the latest in mobile updates.