How do general practice residents use social networking sites in asynchronous distance learning?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning Environments

Background:

• Blended learning accommodates constraints like resident location and low teacher-student ratios.
• Social networking sites (SNS) can be adapted for asynchronous distance learning components in training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of SNS for asynchronous distance learning within a blended learning framework.
• To investigate the influence of SNS on learners' face-to-face interactions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
• Purposeful sampling for maximal variation included eight general practice residents (2nd and 3rd year).
• Thematic analysis was conducted on interview data.

Main Results:

• Social integration of SNS positively influences user engagement in learning tasks.
• SNS use may stimulate student interactions and enhance group cohesion during in-person meetings.

Conclusions:

• General practice residents generally had a positive appraisal of SNS in blended learning.
• SNS positively impacted learning engagement and participation in face-to-face discussions.
• Further research is needed to evaluate SNS effectiveness and teacher adoption in blended learning.