Title: Students' approach to social network in educational context

Authors: Yasemin Koçak Usluel; Deniz Atal

Addresses: Faculty of Education, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, Turkey ' Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Ankara University, Cebeci, 06590 Ankara, Turkey

Abstract: The properties of Web 2.0 have caused discussion in the educational context. The awareness of the students regarding the potential of Web 2.0 also made up a portion of this discussion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to respond to the question of how elementary school students use Web 2.0 and depending on the usage of Web 2.0 it is aimed to discuss Web 2.0 in general and social network in specific for education. This research, case study, is carried out in depth to determine elementary school students' Web 2.0 usages. The 25 participants are students chosen with the 'maximum diversity sampling' technique. The data are gathered by interview and focus group discussions. Content analysis was used. As a result, it is determined that students grouped under five categories which were identified as: viewers, communicators, collaborators, information seekers and producers. It is also determined that students do not fully use the cooperation and sharing properties of Web 2.0 and usually play a passive role in using the basic properties. The next, perhaps more important step is to define how to motivate them to be producers for their education.

Keywords: social networking; social media; Web 2.0 usage; elementary school students; elementary education; cooperation; sharing; passive roles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2013.053243

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2013 Vol.9 No.2, pp.188 - 198

Published online: 30 Jan 2014 *

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