STUDY OF SOCIAL NETWORKS’ DYNAMICS BY SIMULATION WITHIN THE NODEXL-EXCEL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The present study is an analysis of the learning activity, which constitutes simulation of networks and studying their functioning and dynamics. The study is based on using network-like learning environments. Such environments allow building computer models of the network graphs. According to the suggested approach, the students construct dynamic computer models of the networks' graphs, thus implementing various algorithms of such networks’ dynamics. The suggested tool for building the models is the software environment comprising network analysis software NodeXL and a standard spreadsheet Excel. The proposed approach enables the students to visualize the network's dynamics. The paper presents specific examples of network models and various algorithms of the network's dynamics, which were developed based on the proposed approach. Key words: learning environments, modelling, social networks.