Exploring Social Dynamics and Discourse Moves in a Twitter-Facilitated Synchronous Discussion

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Fifteen
  In Roundtable Session: Using Social Media to Enhance Learning and Engagement (Table 16)

Abstract

Twitter is increasingly used by educators to establish professional learning communities. This study investigates social interactions and knowledge construction in synchronous online discussions using the Twitter hashtag #MedEdChat. Three synchronous Twitter discussions on #MedEdChat during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed using social network analysis and content analysis. The results showed that a small number of individuals dominated the discussion, while also serving as hubs for connections with others in more peripheral positions. Our content analysis suggested that social-related (e.g., responding to others’ messages, continuing threads, expressing emotions) and cognitive-related posts (e.g., information exchange, sharing, asking questions) could promote social interaction and knowledge construction.

Authors

• Binbin Zheng, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  Presenting Author

• Gary L. Beck Dallaghan, The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
  Non-Presenting Author

• Zilu Wang, University of Hong Kong
  Non-Presenting Author