Using the networked knowledge activities framework to examine learning on social networking sites

Abstract

This study uses the Networked Knowledge Activities (NKA) framework to examine social media archival data for evidence of learning-related actions across six major social networking sites (SNS). Findings show that while the NKAs are present on and fostered by the tools available on most SNS, most non-verbal indicators of NKAs provide insufficient reliable evidence of a networked knowledge activity. User intent, which is not detectable unless articulated in a message by a user, must be known to accurately use SNS archives to measure networked knowledge activities. We recommend combining this approach with user surveys or interviews within the studied knowledge network to improve accuracy and better understand social media knowledge activities.