Mapping the contours of digital journeys: a study of international students’ social networks in Australian higher education

Abstract

International students' capacity to undertake a digital journey to embrace new digital resources has real life implications in terms of their ability to adjust to their new environment. This article explores links between international students' use of online social networking sites and their social networks, including drawing on digital resources beyond only those from their home country. Given the increased focus on online learning and engagement with students in higher education, there is an even greater need to examine students' digital journeys, in terms of their capacity to navigate both their academic worlds and everyday lives abroad. This article demonstrates that students continue to use a range of online sources from their home countries, even as they transition to their new lives in Australia. This has implications for the way institutions communicate with international students more broadly.

From Digital Shock to Miniaturised Mobility: International Students’ Digital Journey in China

“…International students’ digital journeys in China bear much resemblance to those of international students in Australia. Similar to Chang et al’s (2021) findings about the latter, international students in China also demonstrated diverse online behaviours for information seeking. However, international students in China resort more to social networking sites rather than their institutions' websites.…”

“…Another similarity concerns the instrumental role of diasporic communities of assisting the digital transition of international students. These communities provide well-tailored spaces and networks for international students to seek information from others like themselves (Chang et al, 2021). These communities play a significant role in digital induction for international students to become acquainted with the affordances and challenges associated the new digital environment.…”

“…Recent research has also illuminated the importance of understanding international students’ digital journeys (Chang et al, 2017). For international students to employ new digital resources has real implications for their information access and intercultural adaptation to the new environment (Chang et al, 2018; Chang et al, 2021). International students’ digital journeys are culturally and linguistically diverse.…”

Reimagining the Delivery of International Student Services During a Global Pandemic: A Case Study in the United States

“…This orientation model introduced new tracking, feedback, and assessment features as it evolved over the years with new advancement in technology practices and pedagogical research around online classes but the goal for providing a holistic orientation experience for international students remained a priority for this institution. Chang et al (2021) offer insights on the importance of online social networking and engagement and confirms that, although international students regularly use their institutions' websites, they also rely heavily on a range of social networking outlets as sources of information. With a renewed focus on remote learning, institutions must continue to ensure that students have access to information and services online, as well as opportunities to interact across cultures.…”

The use of WeChat in higher education: Investigation of Chinese students in Australia

“…Even though the report stated that the growing interaction between domestic and international students had excellent benefits in teaching and learning, the previous study did not provide a clear answer about how the idea can be realised in the online teaching & learning environment. Recent studies such as Chang et al (2021) have focused on websites as sources of information but not looked at social media. Therefore, it is required to examine if social media could provide the primary role to enhance the interaction between students to support their academic activities through the online environment.…”