Twelve tips for using Facebook as a learning platform

Med Teach. 2021 Nov;43(11):1261-1266. doi: 10.1080/0142159X.2020.1854708. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced health educators to adapt quickly to teaching and supporting students online. Social media platforms - of which Facebook is presently the most popular worldwide-has demonstrated its utility in facilitating online learning and fostering student support. In order for educators to get the most out of the platform, they should consider adopting a systematic and evidence-based approach. This article draws upon current literature and the authors' experiences to offer practical tips for health educators wanting to use Facebook as a learning platform and support tool for their students. We offer twelve tips, organized into prescriptive steps for creating and managing a Facebook group, and suggestions for utilizing Facebook's features to foster student learning, collaboration, communication, and socialization.

Keywords: Facebook; e-learning; online learning; social media.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Media*