Electronic Social Networks and Social Constructive Learning: Designing and Verifying the Application of Virtual Social Networks in Collegiate face to face Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to design and validate a model in application of virtual social networks based on the social constructivism approach in collegiate face-to-face education. For this purpose, the mixed method was applied. Qualitative study was conducted with the aim of designing blended learning and using deductive content analysis method. In quantitative study, in order to determine the validity of blended learning plan, 6 experts were surveyed through a questionnaire survey method. In qualitative analysis, after the theoretical definition of each of the main concepts of research (components of education based on social constructivism, education based on virtual social networks and blended learning) referring to the scientific texts available in the period 2000-2018 and with the purposeful sampling method, 53 scientific texts including articles, books and dissertations were selected and studied. The results of this analysis consisted of 6 components of analysis, determination of educational goals and content, determination of educational tools and media, determination of educational elements for implementation, design of interaction and evaluation along with the elements of each of these components. Then, based on the existing educational design patterns, blended learning based on virtual social networks was designed with a social constructivism approach. The results of internal validation in the second study also demonstrated that the application pattern of virtual social networks based on the approach of social constructivism in collegiate face-to-face education has a good validity and suitable quality.

Keywords

• blended learning
• social constructivism
• deductive content analysis
• mixed method research