International Journal of
Information and Education Technology

Abstract

English instructors in tertiary level in Thailand usually encounter with large classes with mixed-ability students in their classroom. Time constraints in the classroom also limit the activities to provide an opportunity for students to practice their lessons. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate the use of Facebook as a learning tool outside the classroom for English classes. The subjects were 158 undergraduate students studying Foundation English I which is a compulsory general course for undergraduates at Kasetsart University Si Racha Campus in Chon Buri province, Thailand. The subjects were divided into two groups: 78 students majoring in engineering were in Group 1 and 80 students majoring in economics were in Group 2. The experiment started after formative test and it lasted seven weeks. Teachers posted questions twice a week and students allowed two weeks to do exercises. At the end of the courses, close-ended and open-ended questionnaires were distributed to students. The results showed that Facebook may be used as a learning tool outside English classroom. It could help promote motivation and attitudes to learn English as well as it can encourage the interaction between teachers and students.