With increasing use of social networks among university learners, its role in communication channels in connectivists teaching context needs examination. This study investigates the role of communication channels in social networks as learners engage in a negotiation simulation RPG. The current study collects data from 20 groups of learners in a fully online modality where learners are engaged in the negotiation simulation RPG. Set in a fully online class, using a RPG that requires high levels of communication among participants, communication channel use is measured. Behavior data tracks actions between groups in the learning RPG database, allowing social network analysis. Results show social network apps are most often used by learners for both intra and intergroup conversations. Surprisingly, increased inter-group communication does not always improve learner performance in a connectivist setting. Instead, each additional communication quickly improves performance up to a certain point. After that point, more communication does not necessarily lead to better performance. Instructors and administrators need to find ways to welcome technology platforms, like social media, into the classroom. However, social media platforms are in no way designed to fit a specific class and bring their own set of issues that can run counter to the class goals or instructional methods.

中文翻译：

---

社交网络在数字学习游戏化中的作用：学习者的沟通偏好和表现影响

随着大学学习者越来越多地使用社交网络，其在联通主义教学环境中的沟通渠道中的作用需要检验。本研究调查了学习者参与谈判模拟角色扮演游戏时社交网络中沟通渠道的作用。目前的研究以完全在线的方式收集了 20 组学习者的数据，学习者参与谈判模拟角色扮演游戏。以完全在线的课堂为背景，使用需要参与者之间高水平沟通的角色扮演游戏，测量沟通渠道的使用情况。行为数据跟踪学习 RPG 数据库中各组之间的行为，从而进行社交网络分析。结果显示，学习者最常使用社交网络应用程序进行组内和组间对话。令人惊讶的是，在联通主义环境中，增加群体间交流并不总是能提高学习者的表现。相反，每次额外的通信都会在一定程度上快速提高性能。在那之后，更多的沟通并不一定会带来更好的表现。教师和管理人员需要找到方法欢迎社交媒体等技术平台进入课堂。然而，社交媒体平台绝不是为适应特定班级而设计的，并且会带来一系列可能与班级目标或教学方法背道而驰的问题。