Part of the planning component of the project is to conduct a SOCKS analysis to describe the environment in which the research project is situated, so here goes:

• Strengths (internal assets that give one an advantage in achieving the project goals)
  • My main strength is that I have a passion for this project, which sounds a bit cliched, but it's true. It's what keeps me up late at night working on the details so that it's always better, rather than good enough.
  • I'm fortunate enough to be a part of a very supportive team, who are behind my research 100%
  • I have access and the technical skills to set up and maintain a social network on a private server, without having to rely on others
  • I have some experience in participating in multiple online social networks, and so have an idea of how effective they can be
  • The members of those social networks are an effective support system that I can draw on when I do encounter challenges i.e. there will most likely be others with skills and experiences in similar projects who can help me.
  • I created and participated in a social network in 2009, but left it largely to the group of students who had initiated the project, but who lacked the technical skills to set it up.
• Opportunities (external circumstances that can provide impetus or positive inputs)
  • One great opportunity is the timing of this research. The latest Institutional Operating Plan in my university specifically highlights innovative teaching with technology as a priority, which means that I should have institutional support
  • The university is currently pushing PhD research aggressively, particularly through funding and additional support in the form of workshops and guidance. The fact that this project falls within my greater PhD research means that I can draw on that institutional support, as well as take advantage of any opportunities for funding
  • I have already received funding that reduces my teaching time, which frees me up to concentrate a little more on research. I can take advantage of that fact and make sure to put additional time into this project that will inform the first phase of my study.
  • The majority of studies looking at the use of social networks to facilitate teaching and learning practice have been conducted in Europe and North America. Very little research (if any) has been done in Africa, let alone in South African physiotherapy education. Thus, there is a very real need for a study of this nature.
• Challenges (factors that may create difficulties during this project)
  • One of the challenges I have difficulty with is that this project is situated within my PhD, and at the same time is guiding a 4th year research project, which I sometimes struggle to keep my head around.
  • Since the focus of the project is to evaluate a new approach to teaching and learning practice, I think that resistance to change (from both students and staff) may create barriers. I plan to work hard to keep the process open, as well as making sure that my ideas are not set in stone, and that I'm as adaptable as the project should be.
  • I've also recently realised that a big challenge for me is trying to stay objective. I really wanted this project to succeed, instead of just studying the process and outcome.
  • Limited time is going to be very challenging, and time management is already a problem for me.
  • I have relatively little teaching experience, and so will rely on the experience of others to guide me as I try to design activities within the social network that have sound pedagogical value.
  • Trying to find a balance between this project, the greater PhD study, and the 4th year research project, all of which are important to different people, and all of which rely on me.
• Knowledge (what is already known / has already been done that can provide a solid foundation?)
  • There is an emerging body of knowledge that highlights a dissatisfaction with current, traditional teaching and learning methods, which is echoed through discussion with some of our own students. This project may provide useful information that can help the department (staff and students) change practice to develop better physio's.
  • Previous surveys within this department have highlighted a low level of digital and information literacy, which is important to know when designing a project that makes heavy use of not only these literacies, but others as well.
  • I have a reasonably good knowledge of social networks and how to participate in them, that I can facilitate and guide others through this experience
• Stakeholders (people who are interested in this project, as well as those who will be affected by it)
  • Students can benefit but also need to participate. I'll have to highlight the potential learning and professional development benefits that their active participation may help provide.
  • Staff would also benefit by potentially having a more engaged, interested class, but they need to see the potential. Their participation and desire to change is a vital component. I need to
  • UWC and other South African higher education institutions. The project will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of leveraging a technical platform to change teaching and learning practice in a country with limited resources, and where the majority of the student and staff population lacks the requisite literacies to easily make the change