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Social Network Analysis as a Technology-Enhanced Learning tool - overview of learning and research practices at Varna Free University

Antonina Ivanova, Galina Momcheva

Abstract

• Social Network Analyses (SNA) is actually widely used topic in a number of courses in our university supporting project-oriented approaches and using research in learning.

• The article represents the research of applying social network analysis to public groups in social networks in order to visualize and analyze the levels of influences.

• In the collaborative research activities are involved members of the Department of Computer Science and students from Master Degree Programs in Digital Marketing & Web Design and International Business Project Management.

Some Definitions

• Social network analysis (SNA) is a strategy for investigating social structures through the use of network and graph theories. It characterizes networked structures in terms of nodes (individual actors, people, or things within the network) and the ties or edges (relationships or interactions) that connect them. 

• SNA measures and maps the flow of relationships and relationship changes between knowledge-possessing entities. 

VFU and SNA

• Varna Free University uses cutting edge approaches in learning processes

• Technology-enhanced learning is supported on all levels in university

• Using SNA in different courses students are stimulated to research specific relations in public groups

• Students develop projects

VFU and SNA

• Varna Free University offers courses based on the Social Network Analysis for bachelor and master programs

• The courses use social network analysis, both its theory and computational tools, to make sense of the social and information networks that have been fueled and rendered accessible by the internet.

• Each course observes SNA according to the corresponding program

SNA Courses

Degree Program Course

Bachelor Business Administration

Social Network Analysis in Business Management

Master Digital Marketing &Web Design

Social network analysis

Master International Business Project Management

Social network analysis

Research Topics

• Network Dynamics in various application fields: Innovation, technology transfer, academic cooperation (co-author networks)

• Identifying strategic and influential connections• Dynamic teams research• Gathering information about the structure of the

network• Researching information flow and resource exchange• Identifying cliques or subgroups of actors• Potential coalitions, cut-points

Software tools

• Visualize• Collaborate• Explore• NodeXL

Examples and students’ work

Examples and students’ work

Courses benefits

• Collaborative Learning Techniques • Project Based Learning• Teamwork • Interdependence • Small & balanced groups • Sharing responsibility • Mutual help & advice • Risk/initiative-taking • Incentive-based group tasks

SNA in Semantic Web

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Social Network Analysis as a Technology-Enhanced Learning tool - overview of learning and research practices at Varna Free University

Antonina Ivanova, Galina Momcheva