What participation types of learners are there in connectivist learning

An analysis of a cMooc from the dual perspectives of social network and concept network characteristics

Bibliographic Data

ID21632292
AuthorsYaqian Xu (0000-0002-6539-8625, Research Centre of Distance Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, corresponding author), Junlei Du (0000-0002-2881-5223, Research Centre of Distance Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China)
Year2023
Volume31
Issue9
Pages5424-5441
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInteractive Learning Environments (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-4820 • E-ISSN: 1744-5191
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10494820.2021.2007137
OpenAlexW3217403605
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited13

Learners in connectivist learning are diverse. It’s necessary to make a clear understanding of learners’ participation types and characteristics for optimizing the learning support service and learning evaluation in connectivist learning. This study aims to describe different types of learners in connectivist learning from two dimensions of social network and concept network characteristics. We analyzed 10598 collected data output during a 12-week cMOOC “Internet Driven Education Reform: Dialogue between Theory and Practice” in China. Using social network analysis, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, the K-means cluster analysis and lag sequential analysis to identify different participation types, we found: 1) Five types of learners in cMOOCs were obtained, namely “connected creative learners”, “social learners”, “reflective learners”, “wandering learners”, “marginal learners”; 2) The outstanding learners of connected creative learners, social learners and reflective learners, are in the minority; 3) Most learner types are relatively stable, but there is a possibility of conversion between some different participation types. Based on the above conclusions, this study puts forward some suggestions on cMOOC design. This study gives insight into the characteristics of five types of learners in cMOOC, so that future designers and facilitators can understand, design and support more effective cMOOCs for learners

Latent Dirichlet allocation · Mathematics education · Social media · Social network analysis · Topic model · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Online and Blended Learning · Online Learning and Analytics · Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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