[publication] Can Learning Analytics Find Success in Didactical Measurements? Results from a MOOC Case Study #tugraz #research

We are very proud to be part of the book “Digital Workplace Learning” with a contribution about our MOOC research. This time we take a look to a particular MOOC and reported about the case study. Our chapter “Can Learning Analytics Find Success in Didactical Measurements? Results from a MOOC Case Study” is now published.

Abstract:

In recent years, massive open online courses (MOOCs) led the road into a new era of learning environment systems. Since 2008, e-Learning witnessed a new type of course which is massive in student numbers, open for anyone, and available for all without limitations. MOOCs integrate social networking, accessible online resources, and open-ended outcomes and are publicly shared. In addition, MOOCs offer several online variables that allow researchers from analytical disciplines (learning analytics) to translate these variable data values into research actions and interpret patterns. In this chapter, we present a detailed analysis of a MOOC case study offered in the previous 2 years, 2015 and 2016. The Graz University of Technology, the University of Graz, and partners from the Medical University of Graz collaborated on a project producing a MOOC called “Dr. Internet.” This MOOC aims to investigate whether the Internet helps or hurts in the endeavor to increase health literacy of the public and how it affects the practitioner-patient relationship. Nevertheless, the research study in this chapter is looking onto a different point of view. We will follow a quantitative investigation and apply learning analytics techniques on learners’ behavior as well as scrutinize traces they left behind in videos, discussion forums, and quizzes. In addition, we try to further inspect the dropout rate and level of engagement. It can be outlined that the early analysis results show that those MOOCs behaved similar to other studies but they differ in the higher number of reads in the discussion forum. Reasonable didactical interventions assisted to change learners’ attitudes toward online learning. This chapter will also describe the didactical approach of the Dr. Internet MOOCs.

[Full Paper @ Springer]

[Draft version @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Khalil M., Ebner M. (2018) Can Learning Analytics Find Success in Didactical Measurements? Results from a MOOC Case Study. In: Ifenthaler D. (eds) Digital Workplace Learning. Springer, Cham. pp. 211-225

[publication] Chancen und Grenzen von Learning Analytics: Projektergebnisse bzgl. der automatischen Datenerhebung #imoox

Im Rahmen unseres Forschungsprojekt “Dr. Internet” waren wir für die automatische Datenerhebung zuständig. Nun gibt es eine Kurzzusammenfassung unserer Aktivitäten.

Zusammenfassung:

In diesem Beitrag wird nach einer Kurzeinführung zu MOOCs und Learning Analytics, die in diesem Projekt weiter ausgebaute Learning-Analytics-Infrastruktur vorgestellt. Danach werden die erhobenen Ergebnisse präsentiert und diskutiert. Einerseits kann gezeigt werden, dass sich die Kurse mit jenen aus der Literatur vergleichen lassen und andererseits, dass sehr wohl Effekte aufgrund der didaktischen Maßnahmen zu beobachten sind.

[Publikation @ ResearchGate]

[Gesamter Forschungsbericht @ ResearchGate]

Referenz: Ebner, M., Khalil, M., Wachtler, J. (2017) Chancen und Grenzen von Learning Analytics: Projektergebnisse bzgl. der automatischen Datenerhebung. In: Dr. Internet – Forschungsbericht zum Projekt, Zimmermann, C. (Hrsg.), Verlag Mayer, S. 88-99

[publication] FACETS OF OPENNESS IN MOOCS – A REVIEW #imoox #mooc

Our contribution to the 11th DisCO 2016 conference – Towards open education an information society – got published. Find here the final publication and our thoughts and outcomes of a MOOC case study.

Abstract:

Openness is an eponymous and hence essential feature of MOOCs, but the defining criteria with regard to what does and does not constitute openness are still subject of debate. Different definitions emphasize various aspects that extend beyond obvious characteristics such as open access to content and magnify issues like the licensing of resources, availability of digital technologies or devices as well as skills and competencies necessary for usage. The focus can be extended even further to include social and cultural factors as well. While MOOCs theoretically offer a higher level of openness when compared to traditional means of education, practice has shown that some groups are notoriously overrepresented. It has even been suggested that the growing body of OER may actually widen instead of bridge the gaps between different socioeconomic groups, because user statistics indicate that the typical well-educated MOOC participant already has good access to higher education, whereas those who lack formal education are also underrepresented in the use of OER.
This paper will review the insights on influences that compromise openness in MOOCs, and we will also present a case study from the Austrian MOOC platform iMooX (www.imoox.at) to illustrate the problem as well as discuss some strategies that might prove useful in alleviating the effects of social exclusion. We argue that there are several mitigating factors that warrant consideration in order to strengthen MOOC participation among educationally alienated groups and to encourage a more extensive understanding of openness.

[Link to Full Paper @ ResearchGate]

Reference: Zimmermann, C., Höfler, E., Ebner, M. (2016) FACETS OF OPENNESS IN MOOCS – A REVIEW. DisCO 2016 – Towards open education an information society. 11th conference reader. Beseda, J. (ed.). Centre for Higher Education Studies. Prague. pp 193-203