Using Three Social Network Analysis Approaches to Understand Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Sharing the same philosophy of “relations matter” with computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), social network analysis (SNA) has become a common methodology in CSCL research. In this research, I use SNA methods from relational ties, modes, and integrated perspectives to understand attributes relations CSCL. design, conduct, evaluate three analytics on dataset an online course entities, relations, processes. This discussion stresses students’ knowledge inquiry, construction, building through peer interactions. Results show that compared traditional methods, these approaches can reveal more detailed, richer picture processes, particularly, interactional, multi-modal, temporal aspects. Moreover, are generalizable for understanding similar settings. Based results, research proposes methodological implications further apply develop field.