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Instagram for e-learning

Can Instagram be part of your e-learning toolbox?

If you are an Instagram user you will know that it is in some ways a little like Twitter, the main difference being that is is completely focussed on visual content, either photos, or very short video clips.

Although just like YouTube in terms of uploading video content, Instagram is nothing like as useful if you are looking for a library of content, or a repository of course material. Many people consider Instagram as more distracting and limited compared to Twitter for example.

So, whilst Instagram is unlikely to be a central part of a typical e-learning course, it does have a couple of interesting and potentially useful features.

Firstly, it can re-post your messages across several social media platforms including Twitter and China’s very popular Weibo. Therefore, you could at least benefit from its ability to cross-post your content to different groups.

Secondly, Instagram is highly popular with younger users, given its focus on ease of use and photos and video content, teenagers in particular find it fun to use. You could for example recommend it in your Moodle Assignments as a quick social research source for images relating to current news or world events.

Do you use Instagram to support your e-learning courses in some way? If so, post a reply and let us know how!

Stuart Mealor
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Stuart Mealor

Stuart is interested in all things e-learning, with specific interests in Moodle, e-learning strategy, and business development. His experience in education over 30 years, MBA in International Business, and knowledge of e-learning systems implementation, together with graphic design background, give him a unique skill set for e-learning projects.

3 thoughts on “Instagram for e-learning

  • The feedback I have received from instructors I work with on social media learning tools and processes is very positive. They see real value in having students use tools they are familiar with toward learning and retention.

    Reply
  • That’s a great tip Paul – thanks for sharing that idea !
    Do the majority of your learners use Instagram productively in a course/learning context ?

    Reply
  • Great conversation starter, Stuart. I would add something about the value of tagging Instagram posts. An instructor can create a hashtag specific to their course, and tell students to tag their course-related posts for easy collection and viewing.

    Reply

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