Digital Learning Platforms and Peer Influence: Analysis of Performance and Collaboration

This study investigates the relationship between peer collaboration and student success, with a focus on identifying central figures among a cohort of 47 freshmen in a higher education setting. Utilizing digital learning platforms, students were surveyed biweekly over the course of an academic year to determine collaboration patterns, resulting in a total of 14 surveys. Participants were asked to identify up to five peers with whom they collaborated most intensively during the preceding two weeks. Through the application of network analysis, the study identified central figures within the student community, analyzing their role in influencing academic performance and collaboration dynamics. An interesting and unexpected linear relationship was found between students' grade point average (GPA) and both the nominations received and given. The findings reveal complex interactions between peer influence, collaboration, and academic success, shedding light on the potential importance of key collaborative figures within educational environments. The implications of this research hold promise for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to leverage peer-to-peer collaboration to enhance student engagement and success.