Value generated by social networks in the context of Metcalfe’s law

The topic of this article is network analysis, shown as an activating method used in education. Due to a growing interest in social networking sites and an increased importance of cooperation, it is necessary to improve students’ skills in the field of methods provided by Social Network Analysis (SNA). The potential of social networks can be used, for example to develop contacts, share ideas and as a communication tool. The aim of this paper is to present how students can study “network effects” − the value generated by network structures. This issue will be clarified on the example of Metcalfe’s law, selected measures of the SNA method and others. The exercise presented in the article is an excellent base for conducting in-depth research using the SNA method, which in turn allows to identify barriers to the flow of knowledge, discover invisible structures and relationships, analyse the collected data quantitatively and qualitatively. The article will indicate directions of using the analysis of social networks in research works at universities