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Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access Discount via Drexel Libraries Read and Publish Program 2025CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Reaching Students Where They Scroll: A Pilot Study Using Facebook as a Supplementary Learning Platform in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology Education
Anatomia, v 4(4), 16
15 Oct 2025
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
Background: Social networking platforms offer promising educational value, particularly for undergraduate students whose daily lives are deeply embedded in online spaces. Yet in most courses, instructional technologies remain limited to institutional learning management systems (LMSs), which often do not foster informal interaction or community. This study examined whether supplementing LMSs with a Facebook group could enhance academic outcomes and retention in undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) courses. Methods: Over two semesters, two student cohorts (n = 39) were taught by the same instructor using identical materials; one cohort also used a closed Facebook group for course-related engagement. Results: While final course grades were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.186), students in the Facebook cohort scored significantly higher on mid-semester unit exams (p < 0.001 to p = 0.006). Regression analysis revealed a 9.4% higher mean final course grade among Facebook users. Importantly, the pass rate in the Facebook cohort was 94.7% compared to 45.0% in the control group, with dropout rates significantly lower (5.3% vs. 55%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that incorporating social media into undergraduate science instruction may promote academic success and retention by providing a familiar, collaborative space for active learning and peer support.
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Details
- Title
- Reaching Students Where They Scroll: A Pilot Study Using Facebook as a Supplementary Learning Platform in Undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology Education
- Creators
- Homaira M. Azim (Corresponding Author) - Drexel UniversityDimitrios E. Bakatsias - Drexel UniversityBrittnay K. Harrington - Drexel UniversityPatrick A. Vespa - Drexel UniversityKristyn A. Spetz - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Anatomia, v 4(4), 16
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurobiology and Anatomy
- Other Identifier
- 991022123297604721