Coworking spaces and virtual learning communities in Social Networks: Case Study of #ElClaustroDeIG on Instagram

Abstract

Social networks are consolidated as spaces for the exchange of valuable content. It is not surprising to find spaces for the exchange of good teaching practices in virtual learning communities, so the objective of this study is to analyze, through the case study of #ElClaustrodeIG on Instagram, the educational content focused on teaching that is shared for the Ibero-American community in Spanish, as well as the analysis of the users who share their experiences and good practices in this social network. The study is exploratory in scope, qualitative-quantitative in design, and correlational-explanatory in nature. Content analysis is first carried out, through an analysis sheet (α=.695) to 300 posts and a self-administered questionnaire, previously validated in construct and content by expert judgment, is applied to 130 users of this hashtag on Instagram in order to analyze their patterns of use, their interests and motivations, their training in ICT and social networks, as well as the impact that the use of this social network has on their professional development and the gratification they expect. The results show that most of the publications are about good practices for primary and preschool education while most of the users think that Instagram is an ideal space for non-formal learning, applying in the classrooms many of the good practices shared in this coworking space.