An examination of learning ecologies associated with the Holocaust: The role of social media

Background Holocaust memory and learning processes have become increasingly mediatised as a result of rapid technological advances. There is, however, little information available regarding how people learn about this topic informally through social media. Objectives This paper explores how adult learners develop their learning ecologies by using social media to learn about the Holocaust informally. Methods The study uses a learning ecology perspective to analyse the interests, expectations and learning process of a group of adult learners (N = 276). An online survey tool was developed to collect information on the interests, expectations, and benefits of learning about Holocaust-related topics among online users of four Italian Holocaust museums' social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise the characteristics of the sample and to answer the research questions. Results and Conclusions The results show that most of the respondents are mostly women, with an average age of 50 and a higher level of education. In terms of interest and expectations, they are particularly interested in issues related to the intertwining of transnational and national memory. They also express a sense of civic responsibility with regard to the legacy of the Holocaust. Finally, components of the learning process show proactive behaviour and a preference for individual learning, while interaction with peers is considered less important. Takeaways There is an urgent need to understand how learners' preferences influence the development of learning ecologies and the types of content they are most likely to be exposed to as a result. It is also important for social media content providers to understand that learners are looking for quality resources and trustworthy content to further their education. Lay Description What is already known about this topic Teaching and learning about the Holocaust is a field of study with an established scholarly tradition. Social media are information ecosystems that enable novel practices of Holocaust education and remembrance. The concept of lifelong learning ecologies has been developed to explain learning as a multidimensional and complex aspect of human life. What this paper adds The study is the first to apply learning ecologies to the teaching and learning of the Holocaust through the use of digital technology. The study findings provide insight into how adults learn about the Holocaust informally using social media. The findings suggest that users are more proactive in their individual learning process and less active in interacting with peers. Implications for practice and/or policy It is important to understand that learners' preferences have implications for the development of learning ecologies and the types of content to which they are most frequently exposed. In addition to providing opportunities for learners to critically reflect on their own learning practices, museum staff provide opportunities for learners to interact with each other and with Holocaust education specialists. Social media content providers should be aware that learners are looking for quality resources and trustworthy content to continue their learning.