The Pedagogical Affordances of Social Network Technology

This study explored the use of social networking web technology for educational purposes. A social networking site, The Hive, made use of this technology in an ICT Futures course at the School of Education, Exeter University, UK. The views of a sample of undergraduate students and their teachers participating in this course were investigated during the spring term. The study adopted an interpretative approach with a mixed-method research design. Data were collected through observing and analyzing posted messages on The Hive website and through semi-structured interviews with teachers and students at the end of the course. Stimulated recall was used in the interviews as a method of studying online activities. The data analysis and discussion resulted in recommendations for design of course activity for any course.