Use of Social Network Platforms by E-Learning Professionals in Higher Education: an Empirical Study

Abstract

The non-commercial information portal «e-teaching.org» addresses professionals in technology-supported learning in higher education institutions. It publishes educational content and frequent news regarding didactical, technological and organisational aspects of learning with digital media. In July and August 2014, 137 portal users participated in a semi-standardised, non-representative survey, which collected data on the usage behavior and on the perceived importance of social networks for communication and information processes in professional and personal contexts. In addition, the Twitter network of e-teaching.org, which contains about 40.000 links between 1.600 persons (as of April 2014), was investigated through social network analysis methodology. Results suggest that social networks are used professionally for particular purposes. On Twitter, for a majority, networking and the collection and dissemination of information are of most importance, while on Facebook the participation and discussion in groups seems to be the dominant motive. Approximately one third of e-learning professionals are not using social media much for their job, rather relying on e-mails, blogs and RSS feeds.