Affinity spaces on a Twitter hashtag for teacher learning

ABSTRACT

In this article, we analyze how a hashtag on Twitter allows to create a space of affinity that facilitates teachers’ learning. We analyzed 78,470 tweets that included the hashtag #ClaustroVirtual. We determined the frequency and temporal distribution of these tweets while detecting the most active teachers using this hashtag, analyzing the relationships and influence they exert among other users of the hashtag. We conclude that Twitter is a valuable tool that enhances the informal learning of teachers. The sense of belonging to a community is what mainly motivates teachers to participate using the hashtag.

KEYWORDS:

• Twitter
• affinity space
• online community
• hashtag
• informal learning
• online social network

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).