Employing social network analysis to enhance community learning

Abstract

Social network analysis (SNA) is widely used to analyze social interactions in asynchronous discussions. A well established model that represents a clear picture of the knowledge-building processes occurring in online discussions is the Community of Inquiry. SNA has recently emerged as an analytical tool for exploring the development of a Community of Inquiry in online learning. However, the application of SNA has been limited and lacks appropriate pedagogical grounding. In this paper, we investigate a) the relationship between social networks and community learning as well as b) the impact of gamification, based on social network metrics, on community learning. According to the results, strong relationships have been revealed mainly between SNA metrics and the social presence, as well as the exploration phase of the cognitive presence of a Community of Inquiry. The evidence also highlights the potential of gamification for empowering the evolution of a Community of Inquiry.