Network Analysis Of Knowledge Construction In Asynchronous Learning Networks (2003)
| Citations: | 73 - 7 self |
BibTeX
@MISC{Aviv03networkanalysis,
author = {Reuven Aviv and Zippy Erlich and Gilad Ravid and Aviva Geva},
title = {Network Analysis Of Knowledge Construction In Asynchronous Learning Networks},
year = {2003}
}
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Abstract
Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) make the process of collaboration more transparent, because a transcript of conference messages can be used to assess individual roles and contributions and the collaborative process itself. This study considers three aspects of ALNs: the design; the quality of the resulting knowledge construction process; and cohesion, role and power network structures. The design is evaluated according to the Social Interdependence Theory of Cooperative Learning. The quality of the knowledge construction process is evaluated through Content Analysis; and the network structures are analyzed using Social Network Analysis of the response relations among participants during online discussions. In this research we analyze data from two three-monthlong ALN academic university courses: a formal, structured, closed forum and an informal, nonstructured, open forum. We found that in the structured ALN, the knowledge construction process reached a very high phase of critical thinking and developed cohesive cliques. The students took on bridging and triggering roles, while the tutor had relatively little power. In the non-structured ALN, the knowledge construction process reached a low phase of cognitive activity; few cliques were constructed; most of the students took on the passive role of teacher-followers; and the tutor was at the center of activity. These differences are statistically significant. We conclude that a well-designed ALN develops significant, distinct cohesion, and role and power structures lead the knowledge construction process to high phases of critical thinking.
Keyphrases
knowledge construction process asynchronous learning network knowledge construction network analysis critical thinking high phase individual role social interdependence theory little power three-monthlong aln academic university course power network structure conference message cohesive clique online discussion distinct cohesion content analysis open forum cooperative learning non-structured aln passive role social network analysis well-designed aln structured aln collaborative process low phase response relation cognitive activity network structure power structure
