Share Paper: Social Networking Services in E-Learning

  1. Peter Weber, Fachhochschule Südwestfalen, Germany
  2. Hannes Rothe, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Tuesday, October 9 4:00-4:30 PM Salon Joyce

Abstract: This paper is a report on the findings of a study conducted on the use of the social networking service NING in a cross-location e-learning setting named “Net Economy”. We describe how we implemented NING as a fundamental part of the setting through a special phase concept and team building approach. With the help of user statistics, we examine the value of the implemented social networking service with regard to the need for a social presence, as emphasized by the Community of Inquiry framework. Findings indicate that NING led to a well-meshed network of relationships among the students from the ...