Abstract:

The primary objective of this project is to enhance the quality of teaching-learning processes and promote motivation to reduce dropout rates. To achieve this, we propose the incorporation of Social Networks (SN) alongside the existing Flipped Classroom (FC) approach. The SN will be utilized in interactive and effective ways to support FC implementation, assess available network options, foster student engagement through content creation, facilitate knowledge transmission and collaboration among students and educators, and evaluate the impact of SN implementation on student motivation and academic performance.

The project will be conducted during the upcoming academic year and involves several key activities. These include the formation of focus groups comprising students to gather insights on their use of networks in their subjects, conducting an extensive review of relevant literature on SN utilization in higher education (HE), studying different SN platforms to understand their main advantages and disadvantages in the context of HE, providing training to teaching staff on the effective use of the most prominent SN platforms, designing and implementing experimental experiences that integrate SN with the FC methodology, and conducting a final satisfaction survey and academic performance evaluation after each subject.

This project aims to provide a comprehensive guide for educators interested in implementing a novel teaching methodology in their practice. The authors present a series of actions and results that were derived from collaborative meetings with the participating teachers. The educational innovation initiative began in the academic year 2015-2016 through the University of Malaga Educational Innovation Project. Subsequently, the project was extended, incorporating more teachers and courses from both the University of Málaga and the University of Porto.

The projects employed the flipped classroom approach, which encouraged students to assume responsibility for their learning. Students in higher education were encouraged to become self-managers of their time and effort. The projects aimed to empower students by giving them a voice and making them the main participants in the classroom. The learning environment was designed to cater to their individual needs and incorporate their suggestions.

Drawing on the collective experience of the teaching team, a series of actions were proposed to combine Social Networks (SN) with the flipped classroom methodology. The process commenced with a brainstorming technique, a well-known method for fostering group creativity. Brainstorming facilitates the spontaneous sharing of ideas and thoughts among participants to address practical problems. This technique proves particularly effective in stimulating individuals' creativity and enhancing productivity during idea-generation sessions.

During the brainstorming process, all ideas were thoroughly examined and analyzed, considering their advantages and feasibility. This rigorous evaluation process led to a consensus solution, determining the final design of the project.

Keywords:

Social Networks, Flipped Classroom, Teaching-learning processes, Higher Education.