Facebook Messenger

The development of communication between students and professors have evolved from merely face-to-face communication to an inclusion of computer-mediated communication such as the use of text messages, e-mails, and social media particularly Facebook Messenger. The aim of this research is to describe the usage of Facebook Messenger and face-to-face communication in discussing academic concerns between Miriam College students and professors. The researchers conducted interviews with 12 female class beadles and 3 professors from each of the home colleges of the class beadles. Using Media Richness Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action, findings suggest that face-to-face communication is a high richness medium in sending and receiving messages regarding academic concerns. Face-to-face communication possesses physical cues and instant feedback. On the contrary, Facebook Messenger is considered as a lower richness medium. It lacks visual cues and has limited accessibility through Internet connection. However, the medium is used for time-sensitive concerns like reminders, announcements, and other emergencies outside the classroom. Lastly, the discrepancies between the students’ privacy concerns and the accessibility of the medium in communicating with one’s professors have been expressed throughout the study.