FaceBook and Fish Information

[TwoTankAmin]

Most folks know my opinion of FaceBook. There has been some discussion in the site as to the role of FaceBook and its possible role in the exchange of knowledge and learning. So far this discussion has been mostly anecdotal. However, I just came across an interesting study (I can only see the abstract and would love to see more).

Computers & Education
Volume 82, March 2015, Pages 60–73

Can Facebook be used to increase scientific literacy? A case study of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Facebook page and ocean literacy

G. Fauvillea, S. Dupontb, S. von Thunc, J. Lundind

Abstract

The Internet provides a unique opportunity for scientists to be in direct contact with the public in order to promote citizens' scientific literacy. Recently, Internet users have started to spend most of their online time on social networking sites (SNS). Knowledge of how these SNSs work as an arena for interaction, as well as for the development of scientific literacy, is important to guide scientists' activities online, and to be able to understand how people develop knowledge of science. This was evaluated by scrutinizing the Facebook page of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the consequences for users' ocean literacy. We investigated which practices could increase the number of users reached by a Facebook story. We also found that Facebook pages do not offer the appropriate social context to foster participation since it has only a few of the features of an arena where such practices could develop.

Here is an earlier master's thesis with the above study by one of the authors of the above:
How can Facebook contribute to the creation of a more ocean literate society?
https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/3 ... 3945_1.pdf



https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/3 ... 3945_1.pdf