Group Modeling in Social Learning Environments

Abstract

Students’ collaboration while learning could provide better learning environments. Collaboration assumes social interactions which occur in student groups. Social theories emphasize positive influence of such interactions on learning. In order to create an appropriate learning environment that enables social interactions, it is important to carefully choose group members. In this paper, a group modeling process designed both to help students learn better and to face problems in introductory programming courses together is described. The group model is supported by graph theory and used in a popular social network environment. The authors conducted action research, analyzed students’ activities and the social environment, all of which provided us with helpful experiences for further research.