title: Using Facebook as an informal learning environment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To create, implement, and assess the effectiveness of an optional Facebook activity intended to expose students to contemporary business issues not covered in the core content of a pharmacy management and leadership course and to perspectives of experts and thought leaders external to their university.
  
  
  METHODS
  An informal learning strategy was used to create a Facebook group page and guest experts were identified and invited to submit posts pertaining to business-related topics. Students were given instructions for joining the Facebook group but informed that participation was optional.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A mixed-methods approach using a student questionnaire, results on examination questions, and a student focus group was used to assess this activity. The informal design with no posting guidelines and no participation requirement was well received by students, who appreciated the unique learning environment and exposure to external experts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Facebook provides an informal learning environment for presenting contemporary topics and the thoughts of guest experts not affiliated with a college or school, thereby exposing students to relevant "real world" issues.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA. jjcain00@email.uky.edu
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Policastri
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004777:Environment; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D007858:Learning; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D061108:Social Media; D013339:Students, Pharmacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014836:Volition