The new edition of The SAGE Handbook of E-Learning Research retains the original effort of the first edition by focusing on research while capturing the leading edge of e-learning development and practice. Chapters focus on areas of development in e-learning technology, theory, practice, pedagogy and method of analysis. Covering the full extent of e-learning can be a challenge as developments and new features appear daily. The editors of this book meet this challenge by including contributions from leading researchers in areas that have gained a sufficient critical mass to provide reliable results and practices. The 25 chapters are organised into six key areas: 1. THEORY 2. LITERACY & LEARNING 3. METHODS & PERSPECTIVES 4. PEDAGOGY & PRACTICE 5. BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 6. FUTURES

A Social Network Analytic Perspective on E-Learning

A Social Network Analytic Perspective on E-Learning
Caroline Haythornthwaite Maarten de Laat Bieke Schreurs

Introduction

Social network analysis (SNA) has become a popular method for understanding and visualizing patterns, structures and dynamics in online networks and communities, particularly where data can be gathered and analyzed automatically. This chapter examines theoretical, methodological and research issues that can be addressed by applying social network perspectives and analytical techniques to the study of e-learning. The chapter begins with an overview of the social network analytic perspective and what it can tell us – or lead us to ask – about e-learning. The chapter continues with examples from research studies ...

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