Abstract:

In the digital age, we are living now, individuals in general and researchers in particular experience a networked world that manifests itself every second. The research focused on analyzing the reality of the digital experience of doctoral students in order to understand the importance of digital identity and how this process can influence the creation and management of a PLN.

This case study is based on a mixed-method research project. In the first phase of the research, a questionnaire was applied to the entire apprenticeship community. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals from the community, representing different editions of the course, selected through Social Network Analysis.

The results showed that for these young researchers it was important that their digital identity coincided with their real identity for reasons of credibility and recognition of the scientific and academic community. The results also showed that there is an absolute agreement of this specific community about the importance of having a PLN. However, in relation to PLN management, it has been found that it is variable and depends on the disposition of these young researchers and also on which phase of the doctoral program they are.

It should be emphasised that the conclusions can not be generalised due to the design of the research case study. However, the results obtained are significant, useful and relevant, since they allow to consider and determine actions for the creation and management of the PLN of the studied community. In addition, they also open the possibility of researching more about the emerging area of ​​the social network.

Keywords:

Social Web, Digital Identity, Personal Learning Network, Digital Literacy.