Social Network Analysis and Learning Virtual Communities. Background and Perspectives

This article is derived from the academic talks of the research groups called Guane and Cyberculture & Territory, belonging to National University Open and at a Distance, Colombia, about the dynamics of networked communication experienced in contemporary society and in learning processes, concerning the use of information and communication technologies. This article proposes an approach to Social Network Analysis, based on literature review and previous experiences that allow for conceptualization and delimitation, taking as a reference the learning virtual communities as an indication of collaboration relationships and networked collective intelligence. The aim of this article is helping to focus the work on the management of autonomous learning communities, through the review of cases applying the Social Network Analysis, trying to contribute for the understanding of reticularity. This would make possible the enhancement of knowledge management, through action in networks being characterized by collectivity and collaboration.