Cyber “Pokes”: Motivational Antidote for Developmental College Readers

Difficulties characterizing developmental college students are reviewed within the context of motivational theories of learning. The author highlights problems of low self-efficacy and inadequate self-regulated learning for developmental college students. The author argues that the use of Facebook, a widely-used social networking technology, may be helpful in improving low self-efficacy and self-regulated learning by increasing connection with the instructor, increasing social contact with classmates, and providing an opportunity to guide students in their responsible use of Facebook technology. The author outlines instructional techniques that may be utilized with Facebook, such as the instructor creating a profile and facilitating student contact via chat rooms.