Title: Fostering online social capital through peer-support

Authors: Sibren Fetter; Wim Van der Vegt; Peter Sloep

Addresses: Open Universiteit, Welten Institute, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Open Universiteit, Welten Institute, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands ' Open Universiteit, Welten Institute, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands

Abstract: Fostering social capital in online learning networks is essential for networked learning. Peer-support through so-called ad hoc transient groups (AHTGs) can help to socialise the network. A user-centric qualitative experiment was carried out to gauge the effect of AHTGs on social capital. Participants, who had access to AHTGs and a forum, were asked to fill in questionnaires and to participate in email interviews. The results confirm the hypothesis that participants believe the use of AHTGs will positively affect all aspects of social capital, except strengthening existing relationships. The participants viewed the AHTGs and the forum that was provided as sufficiently distinct from each other that these interaction environments could coexist and be mutually beneficial.

Keywords: online learning networks; ad hoc transient groups; AHTGs; social network analysis; SNA; online social capital; peer support; mutual support; sense of connectedness; eTwinning; TellNet; e-learning; electronic learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2015.072129

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2015 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.290 - 304

Received: 17 Jun 2014
Accepted: 20 Mar 2015
Published online: 01 Oct 2015 *

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