Creating Affinity Spaces through Instagram to Enhance Students’ Virtual Learning Exchanges in a Green Dentistry Project

Infusing Instagram® into higher education teaching, learning and assessment practices proliferates the literature as an ally for students to have meaningful experiences. There is limited evidence, however, of its use in transforming dental practices, specifically collaborative online eco-dentistry practices. The purpose this paper assess Dental Technology (n=23) Dentistry (n=10) students’ opinions about reflections on their experiences using a Green Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Virtual Exchange Project (VEP). An interpretive research paradigm descriptive case study design within qualitative framework were used. Students’ open-ended responses challenges benefits reflective reports COIL VEP thematically analyzed. Three main themes emerged namely, familiarity with Instagram®; educational lack supportive infrastructure. Using create affinity spaces experience can intensify focus, amplify attention, exemplify application theoretical concepts professional-based practice. These findings suggest that used VEPs requires rethink curriculum delivery, particularly supporting principles preserving confidentiality privacy patients online. evidence globally distributed teams eco-friendly dentistry through VEP. This nuanced internationalizing at home, pedagogical approach enables co-create share disciplinary knowledge while improving interpersonal intercultural skills.