Use of Instagram as an Educational Strategy for Learning Animal Reproduction

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Digital Learning Strategies
• Animal Reproduction Science

Background:

• The digital age necessitates educators adapting to new technologies for effective teaching.
• Social media platforms offer novel avenues for information dissemination and engagement.
• Promoting digital competencies among educators is crucial for modern pedagogy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the efficacy of Instagram as an innovative educational tool in animal reproduction.
• To assess the impact of social media integration on veterinary students' learning experience.
• To identify student-suggested improvements for using Instagram in education.

Main Methods:

• An educational Instagram account (UCOREPRO) was utilized for veterinary students.
• Instagram usage metrics were tracked, and a voluntary 35-question survey was administered.
• Feedback was collected on smartphone use, social media habits, and the UCOREPRO account.

Main Results:

• 92.3% of students found the Instagram content engaging, with 79.5% reporting improved understanding.
• 71.8% of respondents acquired new knowledge through the platform.
• Short videos and microlearning were effective; students suggested more frequent posts and academic incentives.

Conclusions:

• Instagram is a promising platform for enhancing motivation, engagement, and informal learning in veterinary education.
• Thoughtful integration and clear educational objectives are key to successful social media use in academia.
• Despite privacy and distraction concerns, the benefits of Instagram for veterinary learning were positively perceived.