Abstract:

In recent years, a decrease in student attendance in class and an increase in the number of students not presented in the exams has been observed in many subjects related to Computer and Telecommunications Engineering degrees offered by the University of Malaga. This situation can result from a lack of motivation and interest among students in the following-up of many subjects. Many studies have shown that using social networks in teaching-learning processes has a positive effect when it comes to increasing the motivation and participation of students. Social networks present new opportunities for their educational use since they can help increase motivation, interest in the subject, and interactivity among students. Likewise, social networks allow us to go beyond the classroom, breaking down the barriers of time and space and fostering a connection with a global learning community.

The social networks most used by young people are WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. However, Instagram has become the fastest-growing social network today. So far, few proposals and research studies have been done on using Instagram in universities. Other social networks (Facebook or Twitter) have been used more as teaching resources, but since Instagram is more specific to images and videos, it is still a tool to explore. However, its possibilities regarding videos, photos, questionnaires, chat, comments, hashtags, and other utilities make it an ideal teaching resource in higher education. Currently, many universities use Instagram as a marketing tool and as a way to keep students informed.

For these reasons, an active methodology based on the use of social networks to attract and involve students in the subject, thus increasing their motivation, is presented in this work. Specifically, Instagram has been used to reach students outside of class. Several Instagram elements were employed during the subject, such as permanent publications, stories, reels, and questionnaires/polls.

A methodology assessment questionnaire based on the use of Instagram was completed by students from different grades and subjects related to computer and telecommunications engineering.

The questionnaire results show that most of the students strongly agree that:
- Using Instagram in teaching brings the subject's content closer to the students, making it more accessible and immediate.
- Publishing content related to the subject on Instagram makes it more attractive to students.
- The use of Instagram for teaching positively influences the motivation of students for the subject
- The proposed methodology based on Instagram encourages the student's interest in the subject.
- Carrying out polls/questionnaires related to the subject on Instagram increases student participation.
- The use of Instagram in the subjects has helped review, acquire, and consolidate the concepts explained.
- They would like the proposed methodology based on the use of Instagram to be implemented in other subjects.
- They are very satisfied with the methodology based on the use of Instagram in teaching.

Finally, an increasing trend is observed in the attendance and performance rates of some subjects compared to previous years.

Keywords:

Social networks, methodology, motivation, teaching.