An Assessment of the Impact of Social Networks on Collaborative Learning at College Level

Abstract

This study considers the effect of the usage of a social network site (www.grouply.com) for a class related group project on the development of individual abilities and performance in group work. Data were collected from three sections of an intermediate macroeconomic class at a Spanish university and groups were randomly assigned to work (or not) using the social network. Findings suggest that, although students are in general attracted by the idea of using SNS in class-related team work, the introduction of a tool they are not familiar with may hamper their self-perceived level of competence in a number of skills.