Learning From Crossing Boundaries in Knowledge-Building Community: A Social Network Perspective for Learning

• In Event: 34.094 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: 34.094-6 - Analytical Approaches in Multimethod and Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

The diversity of idea groups and depth in focal concepts in knowledge building community face a paramount challenge that needs better support and facilitation. Although studies show boundaries carry learning potential, it is not clear whether students will benefit from crossing boundaries for learning under the knowledge building community. This paper addresses this problem from a Social Network Analysis perspective and quantitative methods. By contrasting the network in the beginning and end of the semester, this paper examines whether reading notes that outside one’s own research group associate with students’ other learning outcomes. Results show that students who interact more with others’ groups tend to post more in their own views while also increasing their expert area numbers.

Authors

• Guangji Yuan, SUNY - ALBANY

• Jianwei Zhang, University at Albany - SUNY