Use of Social Networking Analyses of Twitter Interactions to Understand the Field of Educational Technology

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 56
  In Roundtable Session: Systems Thinking in Learning, Intervention, and Assessment

Abstract

This study attempts to understand interrelationships among five disciplines which are often used interchangeably, including Educational Technology, Educational Design, Instructional Design, Learning Experience Design, and Instructional Systems. The purpose is to better understand their interaction in the job market using a systems thinking approach. Data were collected using a social network analysis tool, Ncapture, and imported to qualitative analysis software NVivo to conduct thematic analyses. For this study, 171 job postings in Twitter were examined. Preliminary results indicated that the relations between the targeted disciplines can be explained by Hall’s (1980) communication model. Results can serve as a guide for both employers and employees to make more accurate decisions in both hiring people and applying to educational technology positions.

Authors

• Merve Basdogan, Indiana University

• Curtis J. Bonk, Indiana University

• Zulfukar Ozdogan, Indiana University