Learner Interactions in Massive Private Online Courses

Description

By employing learning analytics methodology and big data in Learning Management Systems (LMSs), this volume conducts data-driven research to identify and compare learner interaction patterns in Massive Private Online Courses (MPOCs). The uncertainties about the temporal and sequential patterns of online interaction, and the lack of specific knowledge and methods to investigate details of LMSs' dynamic interaction traces have affected the improvement of online learning effectiveness. While most research focuses on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), little is investigating the learners’ interaction behaviors in MPOCs. This book attempts to fill in the gaps by including research in the past decades, big data in education presenting micro-level interaction traces, analytics-based learner interaction in massive private open courses, and a case study. Aiming to bring greater efficiency and deeper engagement to individual learners, instructors, and administrators, the title provides a reference to those who need to evaluate their learning and teaching strategies in online learning. It will be particularly useful to students and researchers in the field of Education. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Contents Figures Tables Acknowledgements Introduction References 1. Online Learning Needs Learning Analytics The Importance of Learner Interaction in Online Learning The Limitations of Traditional Interaction Research in Online Learning The Utility of Attaching Importance to LMS Log Data The Need for Applying Academically Sound Methods to Investigate Interaction Patterns The Paucity of Learner Interaction Research in MPOCs Definition of Key Terms References 2. Traditional Learner Interaction Research in Online Learning Online Learner Interaction Theory Learner-Content Interaction Learner-Instructor Interaction Learner-Learner Interaction Learner-Interface Interaction Traditional Research on Online Interaction Research Related to Learner-Content Interaction Research Related to Learner-Instructor Interaction Research Related to Learner-Learner Interaction Research Related to Learner-Interface Interaction Discussion References 3. LMS Log Data Presenting Interaction Traces Two Types of Interaction Data Recorded by LMSs Temporal and Sequential Characteristics of Interaction Events References 4. Interaction Research with Learning Analytics Learning Analytics Methodology Interaction Research with Data from Discourse, Video, and Brainwave Interaction Research with Log Data Interaction Research with Log Data in Particular Topics Discussion References 5. Massive Private Open Courses MOOCs vs MPOCs Comparative Research of Interaction Patterns, the Lack of MPOCs Summary References 6. Research Design of a MPOCs Case Background and Research Questions Participants and Data Collection Data Pre-processing and Analysis HMMs Measures HMMs Procedures Note References 7. Results and Discussion Based on the Case Interpretations of HMMs Results HMMs of High-Achievement Group in Learning Weeks HMMs of Low-Achievement Group in Learning Weeks HMMs of High-achievement Group in Exam Weeks HMMs of Low-Achievement Group in Exam Weeks Answers for the Research Questions Research Question 1: High-Learning V.S. Low-Learning Research Question 2: High-Exam V.S. Low-Exam Research Question 3: High-Learning V.S. High-Exam Research Question 4: Low-Learning V.S. Low-Exam Discussions Based on Four Research Questions References 8. Ref††††††lection and Consideration Implications for MPOCs Ref††††††lections of the Paradigm Shift of the Research Method Limitations and Future Plans References Index