L'apprendimento esteso in contesti formali: due studi di caso

The use of social networks refers to the theory and the model of cooperative learning within formal educational contexts, as university. The present paper starts from a review of the main theories about the development of the virtual learning spaces inquiring into their educational potential within social contexts. Then, it explains two case studies on Facebook, which is the most world widespread social network, and can be conceived as a platform for virtual community of research (Rheingold, 2012). The findings expand our knowledge about the use of social media and offer examples of how these technologies can be used to connect formal and informal learning in extended on-line learning spaces. The two case studies point out the research design and the use of Facebook in the field of education as an instrument for promoting extended learning.