Da Silva, Luiz Fernando Cal, Marcelo Werneck Barbosa, and Rodrigo Richard Gomes. "Measuring participation in distance education online discussion forums using social network analysis." Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology 70.2 (2019): 140-150.

This study examines the use of online discussion forums (ODFs) in distance education to increase student participation. Using Social Network Analysis, it analyzes social interactions among students in ODFs at a Brazilian private university. Findings indicate that these interaction networks are sparse, with students being more engaged in their first semester and participation decreasing over time. Around 45-50% of students actively participate in ODFs, mainly when incentivized by grades. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to boost engagement and collaboration in ODFs.