Twelve tips for using Facebook as a learning platform

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced health educators to adapt quickly to teaching and supporting students online. Social media platforms – of which Facebook is presently the most popular worldwide–has demonstrated its utility in facilitating online learning and fostering student support. In order for educators to get the most out of the platform, they should consider adopting a systematic and evidence-based approach. This article draws upon current literature and the authors’ experiences to offer practical tips for health educators wanting to use Facebook as a learning platform and support tool for their students. We offer twelve tips, organized into prescriptive steps for creating and managing a Facebook group, and suggestions for utilizing Facebook’s features to foster student learning, collaboration, communication, and socialization.