Exploring Forum Dynamics in a Chinese MOOC: A Longitudinal Probabilistic Social Network Analysis

Abstract

This study attempts to answer the fundamental question of how the overall nature of relations in a network affect the network’s potential to foster or inhibit the different forms of social learning. The study adopts longitudinal probabilistic social network analysis to identify the patterns and evolution of relationships formed in a MOOC discussion forum. Three network effects – homophily, network closure, and preferential attachment – are used to explore the dynamics of the discussion networks formed in the MOOC forum. Understanding the formation of the network of relationships will allow us to explore how social learning takes place and in turn improve the online learning experience in MOOCs.