Formación en red de habilidades de investigación en la Universidad Estatal a Distancia de Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Distance Education University has created the Proto-Red de Centros Universitarios para la Investigación which consists of a virtual social network aimed at developing research skills among its students. Social Network Analysis methods were applied to 174 articles produced over a year in this network and the corresponding results show, besides an unexpected user profile, the existence of incipient virtual communities based on common interest topics. Furthermore, users with outstanding performance as information providers were identified. As a result of these findings, promoters of the network are suggested to strengthen this initiative through activities that take advantage of the identified profile. There is a need for e-Learning based development of research skills, a model that guides user activities and makes the most of the interests found on the virtual communities. Social Networks Analysis is an effective tool for the identification of distinguished users in virtual social networks.KEY WORDSSocial networks, skills, research, distance education.