An Information Architecture Framework for Utilizing Social Networks in Iranian Higher Education System

Management of social networks، has become a strategic challenge for different applications including education due to its growing importance. Enterprise Architecture (EA)، uses a holistic specification of information technology functions in organizations to decrease the complexity of using information technology and to increase its efficiency. As regards، using social networks in education in most countries of the world has not yet finished its preliminary stages، so for this reason there is no standard framework and model. The aim of this paper is to design an appropriate architecture framework for utilizing social networks in higher education system in Iran. To do this،first the concept of social networks and its applications at educational environment have been investigated. Then the concept of enterprise architecture and information architecture framework are studied، Zachman framework has been selected as the main tool and then using questionnaire the vital aspects of implementing social networks in higher education have been identified from the views of experts. The findings of study indicate the main reasons for the use of social networks in higher education (strategy)، the most important actors in this field (people)، the infrastructure needed (infrastructure)، the data and information required in this environment (data) and also the processes required to fulfill the social network of learning (process). The main characteristic of the final framework is a presentation of a comprehensive framework for using social network in education system with attention to local considerations.