This study intends to explore the current trends in the field of distance education research 331 articles was reviewed. Mainly content analysis was employed to be able to analyze the current research. Also, a social network analysis (SNA) was used to interpret the interrelationship between keywords indicated in these articles. Themes were developed and the content of the articles in the selected journals were coded according to categories derived from earlier studies.The results were interpreted using descriptive analysis (frequencies) and social network analysis. The reporting of the results were organized into the following categories: research areas, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, variables, methods, models, strategies, data collection and analysis methods, and the participants. The study also identified the most commonly used keywords, and the most frequently cited authors and studies in distance education. The findings obtained in this study may be useful in the exploration of potential research areas and identification of neglected areas in the field of distance education.

Facebook, Twitter, forums, blogs, and Wikis are the leading social web applications. Social Web is one of the most active electronic learning systems. Therefore, learners are able to interact with other learners and influenced by these interaction. InMap, Wolfram Alpha and Facebook Insight are the examples of analytics supported Social Web applications. In this study, 12 different Facebook groups and fan page oriented Anadolu Univesity, Open Education Faculty, Sociology Program, were investigated. Posts, comments and answers on the fan pages and the groups are subjected for content analysis. Inductive content analysis was used for qualitative data collected. Qualitative data were given in tables, tables were separated into appropriate groups, codifying applied for related themes in the groups and major themes were acquired. In analysis of data, NVIVO package software was utilized. According to the results of the research, it was determined that students share mostly about exam services, lessons orientation and accreditation of the distance education program.

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