I am a PhD Student at Lancaster University UK.

As part of my research I am considering to observe overtime the role that metaphors play in a Social Network Learning Environment and I would very much leverage on Gephi for that.

I am particularly intrigued by Gephi-Potatoes dynamic visualization (http://vimeo.com/4551215). The Social Network I will focus on (created via GRO.UP) will include about 40 individuals exchanging posts on a learning experience they are all involved in.

In practice what I am considering is to apply a Forced Metaphors Elicitation procedures on the above participants and start from that to:

1) cluster participants on the basis of key characteristics of their leading individual metaphors,

2) follow how the social network (nodes being the individuals and links the interactions) and metaphors (hopefully represented by potatoes) evolve over a period of 12 months,

3) assess how metaphors and network will be changed by the end of the experience,

4) cross check if there is any correlation between the above measurements and level of satisfaction expressed by participants to each session of the learning initiative they are living and their levels of attainment.

As you can see there are a lot of variables I would like to take into consideration. The support of good tools as Gephi-Potatoes seems to be is likely to be crucial.

I will be grateful for any suggestion and support.

Bye,

Luca