Fostering social capital in a learning network: laying the groundwork for a peer-support service. (3rd March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fetter, Sibren; Berlanga, Adriana J.; Sloep, Peter
• Is Part Of: International journal of learning technology. Volume 5:Number 4(2010)
• Page Start: 388
• Page End: 400
• Publication Date: 2011-03-03
• Subjects: ad-hoc transient groups -- AHTGs -- social networks -- peer support -- theoretical frameworks -- learner support services -- belonging -- network structures -- social support -- social capital -- learning networks -- online learning -- e-learning -- electronic learning -- internet -- world wide web -- virtual communities -- web based communities -- online communities -- relationship characteristics -- mutual support -- learning-related goals -- transience -- eTwinning -- EU -- European Union -- Europe -- Belgium -- learning technology; Learning -- Periodicals; Instructional systems -- Periodicals; 371.3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-8386

Abstract

In online learning environments, communities are desirable, or as is the case for a learning network, even essential. This raises the question of how to attain and sustain these communities. In this article, we argue that this can be achieved by fostering the social capital of the learning network. It is argued that this can be achieved by: 1) improving the relationship characteristics; 2) increasing the sense of belonging to the community; 3) heightening the mutual support. It is hypothesised that these improvements can be achieved by using so called Ad-Hoc Transient Groups (AHTGs). These groups are a means through which learners are brought together for a specific, learning-related goal ('ad-hoc') and for only a limited amount of time ('transience'). In order to deepen the concept of AHTGs, a relevant theoretical background as well as requirements for peer-support service that utilises Ad-Hoc Transient Groups is provided. This is followed by an example of how the service can be implemented in an existing learning network (eTwinning). Finally, conclusions are drawn and future research discussed.