Looking for Usage Patterns in e-Learning Platforms - A Step Towards Adaptive Environments

Kay Berkling, Christoph Thomas

2014

Abstract

This paper studies the student view of functionality offered by a research-based design of a blended learning environment. The course in question is a Software Engineering course at the Cooperative State University students alternate between study and work in a quarter-based system and complete their study in three years. Based on findings over the last year, the course is currently using an e-learning platform (Coursesites by Blackboard) to enhance the on-site classroom experience. For this paper, students were asked to rate the usefulness of various functionalities offered by the platform. The results of the survey (77 students) are then used to explore patterns of usage. We use Grasha’s theoretical definition of six learner-stereotypes to derive an exaggerated usage pattern for each. While students do not match stereotypes, usage patterns become evident in the degree to which they match a combination of these pure definitions. According to groupings of common manifestations, the student body is highly fragmented in their preferred use of the platform. Maintaining Grasha’s nomenclature according to the most pronounced stereotype in a pattern, these students consisted of 38% “avoidant” user type, 27% “collaborative/participant”, and 10% “competitive” usage pattern. A single platform will not cover any mixed group of students and configurable views need to be considered in future.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Berkling K. and Thomas C. (2014). Looking for Usage Patterns in e-Learning Platforms - A Step Towards Adaptive Environments . In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU, ISBN 978-989-758-020-8, pages 144-152. DOI: 10.5220/0004909001440152

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu14,
author={Kay Berkling and Christoph Thomas},
title={Looking for Usage Patterns in e-Learning Platforms - A Step Towards Adaptive Environments},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,},
year={2014},
pages={144-152},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0004909001440152},
isbn={978-989-758-020-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF
JO - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,
TI - Looking for Usage Patterns in e-Learning Platforms - A Step Towards Adaptive Environments
SN - 978-989-758-020-8
AU - Berkling K.
AU - Thomas C.
PY - 2014
SP - 144
EP - 152
DO - 10.5220/0004909001440152