Pérez-Marín Carlos C
Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Campus of Rabanales, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Vet Sci. 2025 Jul 25;12(8):698. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12080698.
The present study explores the use of Instagram as an innovative strategy in the teaching-learning process in the context of animal reproduction topics. In the current era, with digital technology and social media transforming how information is accessed and consumed, it is essential for teachers to adapt and harness the potential of these tools for educational purposes. This article delves into the need for teachers to stay updated with current trends and the importance of promoting digital competences among teachers. This research aims to provide insights into the benefits of integrating social media into the educational landscape. Students of Veterinary Science degrees, Master's degrees in Equine Sport Medicine as well as vocational education and training (VET) were involved in this study. An Instagram account named "UCOREPRO" was created for educational use, and it was openly available to all users. Instagram usage metrics were consistently tracked. A voluntary survey comprising 35 questions was conducted to collect feedback regarding the educational use of smartphone technology, social media habits and the UCOREPRO Instagram account. The integration of Instagram as an educational tool was positively received by veterinary students. Survey data revealed that 92.3% of respondents found the content engaging, with 79.5% reporting improved understanding of the subject and 71.8% acquiring new knowledge. Students suggested improvements such as more frequent posting and inclusion of academic incentives. Concerns about privacy and digital distraction were present but did not outweigh the perceived benefits. The use of short videos and microlearning strategies proved particularly effective in capturing students' attention. Overall, Instagram was found to be a promising platform to enhance motivation, engagement, and informal learning in veterinary education, provided that thoughtful integration and clear educational objectives are maintained. In general, students expressed positive opinions about the initiative, and suggested some ways in which it could be improved as an educational tool.
本研究探讨了在动物繁殖主题背景下，将Instagram作为教学过程中的一种创新策略加以运用的情况。在当今时代，随着数字技术和社交媒体改变了人们获取和消费信息的方式，教师适应并利用这些工具的教育潜力至关重要。本文深入探讨了教师紧跟当前趋势的必要性以及提升教师数字能力的重要性。本研究旨在深入了解将社交媒体融入教育领域的益处。兽医学学位学生、马运动医学硕士学位学生以及职业教育与培训（VET）学生参与了本研究。创建了一个名为“UCOREPRO”的Instagram账户用于教育目的，所有用户均可公开访问。持续跟踪Instagram的使用指标。开展了一项包含35个问题的自愿调查，以收集有关智能手机技术的教育用途、社交媒体使用习惯以及UCOREPRO Instagram账户的反馈。兽医学学生对将Instagram作为教育工具的整合给予了积极评价。调查数据显示，92.3%的受访者认为内容引人入胜，79.5%的受访者表示对该主题的理解有所提高，71.8%的受访者获得了新知识。学生们提出了一些改进建议，比如更频繁地发布内容以及加入学术激励措施。尽管存在对隐私和数字干扰的担忧，但这些担忧并未超过所感知到的益处。事实证明，使用短视频和微学习策略在吸引学生注意力方面特别有效。总体而言，只要保持深思熟虑的整合和明确的教育目标，Instagram被认为是一个有前景的平台，可增强兽医教育中的动机、参与度和非正式学习。一般来说，学生们对该举措表达了积极的看法，并提出了一些可将其作为教育工具加以改进的方法。
