Development of computer-supported collaborative social networks in a distributed learning community
- 1 November 2005
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Behaviour & Information Technology
- Vol. 24 (6), 435-447
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01449290500044049
Abstract
This study examines the formation and change of collaborative learning social networks in a distributed learning community. A social network perspective is employed to understand how collaborative networks evolved over time when 31 distributed learners collaborated on a design project using a computer-mediated communication system during two semesters. Special attention was paid to how pre-existing friendship networks influenced the formation of macro-level collaborative learning networks and individual level social capital. We discovered that pre-existing friendship networks significantly influenced the formation of collaborative learning networks, but the effect was dependent on the developmental phase of community. Also, pre-existing networks generally acted as a social liability that constrained learners' ability to enhance their social networks and build social capital when they participated in a new learning environment. The results suggest that, in order to fully understand how to build effective collaborative learning and work environments, participants' social network structures need to be considered.Keywords
This publication has 48 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Strength of Strong TiesRationality and Society, 2003
- THE IMPACT OF FRIENDSHIP NETWORKS ON TEAM PERFORMANCE: A STORY OF EQUIFINALITY.Academy of Management Proceedings, 2001
- Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?Communication Research, 2001
- In good companyUbiquity, 2001
- Constructing, organizing, and visualizing collections of topically related Web resourcesACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 1999
- Social Capital, Intellectual Capital, and the Organizational AdvantageAcademy of Management Review, 1998
- Computer Support for Knowledge-Building CommunitiesJournal of the Learning Sciences, 1994
- Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning: An Empirical EvaluationMIS Quarterly, 1994
- Economic Action and Social Structure: The Problem of EmbeddednessAmerican Journal of Sociology, 1985
- The Strength of Weak TiesAmerican Journal of Sociology, 1973