Social network analysis of students interaction in online asynchronous discussion forum

With the rapid evolution of communication technologies, people’s experiences become more virtual and less tangible. Nonetheless, these digital experiences are usually recorded, and they could be traced and analyzed (Willging, 2005). Online discussions, as a component of e-learning, have become common activities in postsecondary education. It can facilitate collaborative learning, when students are actively engaged in sharing information and perspectives through interaction with other students (Harasim, Hiltz, Teles & TuroV, 1995). Additionally, online discussion has the potential to expose students to a broader range of views than face to face talk, and hence enable them to develop more complex perspectives on a topic (Prain & Lyons, 2000).