Skip to main content

Fostering Self-Directed Learning with Social Software: Social Network Analysis and Content Analysis

  • Conference paper
Times of Convergence. Technologies Across Learning Contexts (EC-TEL 2008)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNPSE,volume 5192))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

Self-directed Learning (SDL) is an old pedagogical concept facing new challenges engendered by the emerging social software. We aim to explore the issue how SDL is facilitated in online cross-cultural collaborative settings – iCamp Trial2 involving faculty and students from four European academic institutions. Empirical data of two relatively active groups were meticulously analyzed with the use of social network analysis and content analysis. Results showed the online collaborative learning environment empowered by social software could potentially enhance that SDL of some but not all the students. The actual impact is stipulated by several critical factors such as the students’ intrinsic motivation and initial anxiety about the learning situations. Initial formal structure is essential. Revision of Henri scheme is implied.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Brookfield, S.D.: Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning. Jossey-Bass (1986)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Candy, P.: Linking thinking – self-directed learning in digital age (accessed on 08/01/08) (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Gray, D.E.: The internet in lifelong learning. International Journal of Lifelong Education 18(2), 119–126 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Gunawardena, C.N., Lowe, C.A., Anderson, T.: Transcript analysis of computer-mediated conferences as a tool for testing constructivist and social-constructivist learning theories. In: Proc. of the Annual Conference of Distance Teaching and Learning (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Henri, F.: Computer conference and content analysis. In: Kaye, A. (ed.) Collaborative learning through computer conferencing: The Najaden papers, pp. 117–136. Springer, Heidelberg (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Hiemstra, R.: Self-directed learning. In: Husen, T., Postlethwaite, T.N. (eds.) The International Encyclopedia of Education, 2nd edn. Pergamon Press, Oxford (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Hiemstra, R.: Learning contracts, http://home.twcny.rr.com/hiemstra/contract.html

  8. Kerka, S.: Self-directed learning myths and realities no.3. ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career and Vocational Education (ED365818) (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Knowles, M.S.: Self-directed Learning: A Guide for Learners and Teachers. Cambridge Book (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Maehl, W.H.: Lifelong learning at its best. Jossey-Bass (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Scott, J.: Social network analysis: A handbook. Sage, London (1991)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Pierre Dillenbourg Marcus Specht

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Law, E.LC., Nguyen-Ngoc, A.V. (2008). Fostering Self-Directed Learning with Social Software: Social Network Analysis and Content Analysis. In: Dillenbourg, P., Specht, M. (eds) Times of Convergence. Technologies Across Learning Contexts. EC-TEL 2008. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 5192. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87605-2_23

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87605-2_23

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-87604-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-87605-2

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics