Dissertation Topic
Measuring sense of community using facebook in tourism and recreation classes.
Previous research indicates that college students use social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook to establish friendships, maintain communication, and foster a sense of community; research also indicates many college instructors do not. In fact, many college instructors remain reluctant to to use Facebook despite studies that link instructor use of Facebook to student motivation, affective learning, and classroom climate. As teacher practice can either enhance or detract from the student experience, the tools used to create a community of learners might be of interest to those instructors that teach the student of today. The research design for this inquiry will examine archived data originating from 111 recreation and tourism students at Central Michigan University. Data will represent 59 students in Group A (the experimental group) who became “friends” on Facebook with the instructor but did not have full access (ability to view photos, videos, and links) to the instructor’s profile until the study began. The 52 students in Group B had full access the entire semester. Both groups completed pre-post tests that measured perceptions of membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection that contribute to sense of community as measured on the Sense of Community Index 2 (SCI-2). Grounded in the educational theory of Siemens, this correlational study will analyze archived data using standard deviations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify if there are any observable differences between the groups of students that had full access to the instructor’s Facebook page and those who did not. Analysis will also be used to determine relationships within the dependent variables (age, class, gender,race, living arrangements, and citizenship). This study may contribute to the existing literature and provide evidence that supports communication and collaboration using Facebook as a practical solution to the enhancement of sense of community within the classroom, or not.
Publications
Tuma, L., & Waldecker, K., (2011). The secret event: An analysis of the flash mob phenomenon. (in progress).
Tuma, L., Stanley, C., & Zubke, C. (2011) Beyond Hands On: A service learning initiative for tourism and event planning students. International Journal of Arts and Sciences.
Tuma, L. (2010). Measuring sense of community using Facebook in tourism and recreation classes. In L. Lowry (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2010 Annual International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Conference, October 18-22, 2010, on Board Carnival Cruise Line’s Paradise (Vol. 22, pp 335-349). St. Clair Shores, MI: International Society of Travel & Tourism Educators.
Tuma, L. (in progress). Facebook! The integration of social media in tourism classes. International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE), Long Beach, California, October, 2010.
Tuma, L. & Pybus, D. (2009). The impact of a global meeting curriculum on the tourism industry. In L. Lowry (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2009 Annual International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Conference, October 15-17, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas (Vol. 21, pp 346-349). St. Clair Shores, MI: International Society of Travel & Tourism Educators.
Tuma, L. (2009, February). Global Certificate in Meeting Business & Events I (GCMBE). Meeting Professionals International. Dallas, TX: MPI Press. Modified three existing courses, developed one new course and authored corresponding anciliaries and instructor manuals for the international certification program.
- Chapter 1: The Business of Meetings: Meetings 101
- Chapter 7: Registration & Housing
- Chapter 9: Audio-Visual Basics and The Supply Chain Management
- Chapter 12: Event Marketing
Tuma L. (2008, November). Global Certificate in Meeting Business & Events I. Meeting Professionals International. Dallas, TX: MPI Press. Developed four new courses and authored corresponding ancillaries for the international certification program.
- Chapter 2: The Business of Meetings: Meetings 101
- Chapter 5: Evaluating the Value & Impact of Meetings
- Chapter 9: Audio-Visual Basics
- Chapter 11: Event Marketing
Curriculum & Program Development
Mid Michigan Community College, Department of Occupational Studies, Harrison, Michigan, 2007. Developed three 27-credit occupational certificate programs funded by the State of Michigan.
- Records Information Management Certificate Program - 27 credits
- Medical Office Secretary Certificate Program - 27 credits
- Legal Office Secretary Certificate Program - 27 credits
Mid Michigan Community College, Department of Occupational Studies, Harrison, Michigan, 2007. Developed a business course that teaches records management, medical communications, and professionalism.
- Medical Office Procedures Course, BIS 255 - 3 credits