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Activity 14: Visualising social networks Timing: 4 hours Part 1 • Read this short paper that provides an introduction to social network visualisations and to the SNAPP tool: Bakharia et al. (2009), Social networks adapting pedagogical practice: SNAPP. • In your learning journal, or blog, make a note of the things that can be revealed by a network diagram of students’ discussions. The authors identify six – you may be able to think of more. • Use these as headings and, under each one, note how this information could be used to support learning and/or teaching in a group. • Also note any potential problems, and how these might be addressed. Part 2 • Now read: Dawson et al. (2010), SNAPP: Realising the affordances of real-time SNA within networked learning environments. The figures in this paper show some typical visualisations of forum discussions. The paper discusses what these reveal about the discussions. • Try creating your own social network diagram. Take a recent thread in the tutor group forum, which includes six or more postings, and sketch it as a network diagram. Note who appears to be central to the discussion. • Now take another discussion thread and add it to the same diagram. Drawing by hand, you probably won’t be able to include any further threads in your diagram, unless they are very short. • Reflect on what is represented in this diagram and on what is missing. 1 Does the diagram change your understanding of the tutor group and of your role within it? 2 Could you use this diagram to make recommendations that might improve learning in the forum or would you need more information? 3 In what ways is the diagram misleading? • Share your conclusions in the forum. If possible, add a scan or a photograph of your network diagram. Discuss situations in your local educational environment, or in one you know well, in which a social network diagram might be used to improve learning and/or teaching.