Abstract:

Introduction:
In recent years, various strategies and tools based on active learning have been proposed to help students in the learning process. Among them, the use of active learning has been proposed as a strategy to consolidate and enhance knowledge and improve it. Furthermore, the use of new technologies and social networks has been suggested as a tool to improve student motivation.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, motivation, and satisfaction of using an active collaborative learning activity in third year physiotherapy students, using social networks to motivate discussion and analysis of the course contents.

Methods:
In the different class sessions, various topics or debates about the subject were raised. Students had to choose one of these topics and elaborate their own reflection that was shared on social networks (Instagram, Twitter) using a specific hashtag, as well as ask questions and discuss the contributions of their classmates. After the activity, a class session was held where the different contributions were commented on in relation to the contents and the satisfaction and motivation of the students was evaluated.

Results:
All third-year students participated in the activity (n=66), with a total average of 2.9 participations per student (192 in total). 97% of the students reflected that the use of social networks had been a motivating strategy when assimilating the concepts of the subject, as well as the debate and collaborative reflection among them, showing satisfaction in its use as an educational tool.

Conclusions:
Social networks can be a viable and motivating option for students, being a form of online collaborative learning that can help students in the reflection and improvement of their educational process.

Keywords:

Active learning, social media, collaborative learning.