The Influence of Grouping/Non-grouping Strategies Upon Student Interaction in Online Forum: A Social Network Analysis

Interaction is the core of online learning activities, and online discussion forum is an important tool for students' interaction. In online forums, there are usually two organizing strategies for interaction: grouping and non-grouping. This study adopted experimental research and social network analysis method to analyze the interaction in two online forums respectively organized under grouping and non-grouping strategies. In the grouped forum, it was found that students' interaction was limited, but they were more closely connected in a same group, and received more equal attention. On the other hand, the enthusiasm of students to participate in the forum showed a downward trend as the course progressed; In addition, they replied to themselves more. While in the non-grouped forum, students tended to communicate with different students in early and late stage of the course, and they formed some close associations spontaneously in the process of communication. There were obvious "star" students and "neglected" students. Besides, students' enthusiasm to participate in the forum showed an upward trend as the course went on.