Perspectives of Knowledge Construction From a Collaborative Learning Process Mediated by an Instagram Group

Abstract

The research examined the educational potential of Instagram groups in EFL learning, with a specific focus on collaborative knowledge construction. Arising from the challenge of excessive social media use during class time, the study sought to transform this potential distraction into a valuable learning opportunity. The research team employed a qualitative methodology, collecting data through a combination of classroom observations, reflective journals, and semi-structured interviews. The intervention implemented a task-based learning framework that integrated Instagram groups into the educational process, with students from multiple educational institutions participating in activities designed to leverage their social media experience while promoting collaborative knowledge construction. The findings demonstrated that social media integration significantly enhanced collaborative learning through multiple mechanisms. Students engaged in active information sharing, benefited from experiential learning opportunities, and participated in knowledge construction through peer interaction. The study revealed that Instagram groups, when properly structured and implemented, can effectively support elf education, successfully transforming from potential classroom distractions to valuable educational tools. However, the research also identified several critical considerations for successful implementation, including the necessity for comprehensive teacher training, the establishment of clear guidelines to maintain educational focus, and the importance of carefully balancing engagement with potential distractions. The conclusions suggested that this approach has broader applications across various educational contexts, while acknowledging the need for further research to investigate long-term effectiveness and develop best implementation practices. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on technology integration in education and provide practical insights for educators seeking to leverage social media platforms for educational purposes.