VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE COLLABORATIVE CONSTRUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

The role of social networks in collaborative learning emerges as a relevant theme in the contemporary educational context, given the increase in digital interconnection and the transformation of pedagogical practices. The choice of this theme is justified by the need to understand how these platforms influence the teaching-learning process and promote interaction among students. The main objective of the study is to analyze the contributions of social networks to collaborative learning, investigating their functionalities and impacts on group dynamics. The adopted methodology is of a bibliographic approach, involving a review of relevant literature on the topic, focusing on academic articles and case studies. The main results indicate that social networks facilitate the exchange of information, promote joint knowledge construction, and encourage active student participation. Furthermore, it is observed that the use of these platforms can enhance student motivation and engagement, creating a more dynamic and collaborative learning environment. The most relevant conclusions point to the importance of integrating social networks strategically into pedagogical practices, emphasizing that while they present challenges, their potentialities outweigh the risks, significantly contributing to the development of essential skills in the 21st century.