Microlearning and social networks in higher education: potentials and challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56152/reped2026-vol7num1-art6Keywords:
educational technology, independent study, social network, higher educationAbstract
This study investigates how microlearning, associated with the social networks Instagram and TikTok, can help in the autonomous learning of higher education students. The objective is to understand, from the students' point of view, how these digital environments are used to expand knowledge without teacher intervention, in addition to recognizing the advantages and difficulties of this strategy. The study aims to enrich the debate on innovative methodologies that align with the technological and communicational evolution of contemporary students. A concurrent mixed-methods research approach was adopted, following a survey strategy, which allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon under study. The research universe is composed of students enrolled in degree courses at the 10 campuses of the Federal University of Pampa, in Brazil. The main results indicate that students widely use Instagram and TikTok to access short-term educational content, highlighting the practicality and flexibility of microlearning as positive factors. Many have reported that these platforms help complement formal learning and facilitate the review of academic content. There are challenges such as the dispersion caused by excess information and the difficulty of verifying the reliability of the content. It is concluded that microlearning can be an effective tool for autonomous learning, providing rapid and dynamic access to knowledge. It is essential that students develop strategies to evaluate the quality of the information they consume, ensuring that these platforms effectively contribute to their academic development.
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