earticle

영어

The study seeks to explore the shape and role of a social networking service, and the community of practice that emerges in a Language Teacher Association Facebook Group. Quantitative and qualitative data, harvested using NodeXL Pro, was obtained from a language teacher association public Facebook group. Data collection was limited to a date range of one calendar year, with social networking analysis applied to the quantitative data, and thematic content analysis applied to the qualitative data. Social networking analysis reveals a group consisting of largely non-engaged members, with several key users successfully bridging the network and promoting engagement and interactions via commenting. It was clear that professional development emerges as the largest concern, however the most viral posts were disproportionally organizational. Reviewing all captured timeline posts via content analysis, illustrates the role of the group in the professional lives of members, particularly as an affinity space, affording access to professional development opportunities, content, and contacts, and as a means to validate materials, showcase successes, and access just-in-time support. Overall, the group could be performing the role of an essential service much better, and a number of means for this to occur are highlighted.