Instagram and the Rise of Virtual Teaching Communities: The Case of #ElClaustrodeIG

What is this article about?

This article explains how Instagram has evolved into a coworking and virtual learning space for teachers, using the case study of #ElClaustrodeIG. Gómez Martínez and Romero-Rodríguez analyze 300 posts and 130 teacher surveys to assess how Instagram supports peer exchange, informal learning, and professional growth among Spanish-speaking educators.

Why is it important?

This article reveals how social media enables professional development beyond formal institutions. #ElClaustrodeIG acts as a digital faculty, where teachers share resources, methodologies, and experiences—democratizing access to innovation in education and fostering a supportive online identity.

Key Findings

1. Instagram is a valuable space for informal learning

• Teachers widely agree that Instagram offers meaningful pedagogical content and collaboration.

• 64% of users spend significant time on Instagram for educational purposes.

2. The hashtag fosters a sense of community

• Most posts focus on primary and preschool education.

• Teachers share content on foreign languages, emotional education, gamification, and collaborative learning.

3. Teachers gain practical classroom benefits

• 88% believe Instagram helps them improve professionally.

• 75% say it’s worth the time investment.

• Only 18% report face-to-face meetings, confirming its virtual-first nature.

4. Gratification and identity matter

• 79% of participants expect recognition and validation from peers.

• Some users are classified as edugrammer influencers, with over 200,000 followers.

Community Roles: The Edugrammer Typology

• Prosumers: Share and consume educational content.

• Consumers: Follow others to gain resources but do not post.

• Influencers: High-impact educators shaping trends and collaboration.

FAQs

Q: What is #ElClaustrodeIG?
A: A Spanish-speaking virtual faculty on Instagram where teachers share practices, resources, and methodologies.

Q: Does Instagram improve teaching?
A: Yes. Most users report applying what they learn and feeling supported by the community.

Q: Is this a formal or informal learning space?
A: Informal. It’s driven by voluntary participation, peer support, and shared digital content.

Q: What are the educational benefits?
A: Enhanced motivation, resource sharing, pedagogical innovation, and emotional support among educators.