Social Interactions in Electronic Networks of Practice: A Model for Effective Knowledge Construction, Problem Solving, and Learning

Abstract

Electronic networks of practice and research around this social web 2.0 platform has gained traction within the last few years with the advances in social media technologies and their proliferated use. Therefore, this article examined the types of interactions within an electronic network of practice open to those within the software engineering field. This research found that narrative posts, with certain aesthetically appealing qualities, can allow better social learning and interaction in network discussion forums, thereby enabling richness of knowledge constructed. The use of dimensional analysis a qualitative framework enabled this research to develop a model to gain a comprehensive insight into various factors that contributed to social learning within networks of practice.