Title: Social Network Analysis techniques: implications for information and knowledge sharing in virtual learning communities

Authors: Ben K. Daniel, Gordon I. McCalla, Richard A. Schwier

Addresses: Department of Languages and Linguistics, University of Saskatchewan, 9 Campus Drive, Room 517 Arts, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5A5, Canada. ' ARIES Research Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. ' The Virtual Learning Community Research Laboratory, Educational and Communications and Technology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract: This work employs social network techniques to analyse patterns of interactions critical to information and knowledge sharing among learners in a virtual learning community. Drawing from the results of this analysis, fundamental variables which are more likely to affect information and knowledge sharing in virtual learning communities are explored and future research initiatives to pursue these issues is presented.

Keywords: social networks; knowledge sharing; information flow; virtual learning; virtual communities; knowledge management; online communities; web based communities; social network analysis; information sharing; e-learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAMC.2008.016212

International Journal of Advanced Media and Communication, 2008 Vol.2 No.1, pp.20 - 34

Published online: 09 Dec 2007 *

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