Capturing the Essence of Life Online: A Social Network Analysis of 10 Years in a Hybrid Educational Technology Master’s Program

• In Event: Flipping the Classroom: Hybrid/Blended Learning Environments

Abstract

This paper is a direct response for submissions that recognize how evidence of varying types can be used for tackling persisting issues in education and for their innovative resolution. Our research applies a social network analysis approach to examine ten years (2000 – 2010) in the history of a hybrid masters education community of practice. We drew upon qualitative data from an earlier study to help us design and disseminate a social network survey that asked participants to identify community members with whom they connected before, during and after their program experience. Our results show that a strong community was developed during the program and that the community evolved and remained strong after the program completion for a majority of students.

Authors

• John E. Cowan, Northern Illinois University

• Michael P. Menchaca, University of Hawaii at Manoa