Social Network and Sentiment Analysis: Investigation of Students’ Perspectives on Lecture Recording

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study aimed at understanding the value of lecture recordings to student learning. We analysed transcripts of discussions on social media (Facebook) that students generated on the value of lecture recordings. Students discussed whether recording lectures and making them available should be compulsory. While the efficacy of lecture recording has been studied using conventional methods (e.g. questionnaires and interviews) on highly structured data, we employed social network and sentiment analysis techniques to examine individual messages posted on the Student Union’s Facebook page. We chose to employ social network and sentiment analysis because these methods are useful in examining semi-structured and unstructured social media data. Overall findings suggest students generally view lecture recordings as resources for supplementing live lectures rather than replacing them. Students stated that lecture recordings could facilitate the creation of an inclusive learning environment and inculcate a positive learning experience. Work presented in this article adds to the growing debate on the institutional deployment of lecture recordings and their impact on students’ engagement and learning. It also demonstrated how educational researchers could utilise social network and sentiment analysis to examine critical issues in education.