Twitter as an informal learning space for teachers!? The role of social capital in Twitter conversations among teachers

Martin Rehm*, Ad Notten

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Twitter can contribute to the continuous professional development of teachers by initiating and fostering informal learning. Social capital theory can aid to analyze the underlying communication processes and outcomes. Yet, previous research has largely neglected teachers and the role of social capital on Twitter. The present study addresses this shortcoming by analysing a hashtag conversation among German speaking teachers. Using social network analysis, we are able to show the relevance of the structural dimension of social capital in Twitter conversations among teachers.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)215-223
Number of pages9
JournalTeaching and Teacher Education
Volume60
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016

JEL classifications

  • d83 - "Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief"
  • d85 - Network Formation and Analysis: Theory
  • i21 - Analysis of Education

Keywords

  • Informal learning
  • Teacher professional development
  • Social capital
  • Social network analysis
  • Social media
  • NETWORK ANALYSIS
  • CREATION
  • PATTERNS
  • MEDIA
  • BOUNDARY
  • COMMUNITIES
  • PROFESSIONAL-DEVELOPMENT

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