- Special Section: Learning Analytics: Intelligent Decision Support Systems for Learning Environments
- Learning Analytics: Intelligent Decision Support Systems for Learning Environments
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Log Analysis in a Virtual Learning Environment for Engineering Students
Análisis de la navegación en un entorno virtual de aprendizaje de estudiantes de ingeniería
International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education volume 12, pages 113–128 (2015)
Abstract
The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) at different educational levels has impacted the teaching-learning process. ICTs have effectively become tools that support educational environments and, hence, have become educational technology. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are widely used, offering advantages to both students and instructors. Different platforms include various activity modules, within which collaborative learning communities are built, file sharing and grade handling are facilitated, and navigation log statistics are provided. These logs shed light on the daily use of the platform. The resulting information creates an overview of users’ online navigation characteristics and preferences. Through the analysis of these navigation logs, relevant information can be extracted that may help in understanding the teaching-learning processes within VLEs. In this study, the navigation logs of students enrolled in a course offered at a School of Engineering were analyzed. The objective of this project was to analyze the characteristics of the students’ navigation by identifying, summarizing and characterizing the way in which they interact with the platform. Based on the results, it is inferred that students apply different learning strategies and follow individualized navigation paths.
Resumen
La inclusión de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en los distintos niveles educativos ha impactado los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje y se han convertido en herramientas que brindan soporte a los entornos educativos, convirtiéndose así en tecnología educativa. Los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje son ampliamente utilizados, ofreciendo ventajas tanto a estudiantes como a instructores. Las distintas plataformas incluyen diversos módulos de actividad, dentro de los cuales se construyen comunidades colaborativas de aprendizaje, intercambio de archivos, manejo de calificaciones, estadísticas de uso de la plataforma en donde se alojan los registros de navegación. Dichos registros dan cuenta del uso diario que se le da a la plataforma. La información que de ello resulta genera un panorama acerca de las características y preferencias de navegación en línea por parte de los usuarios. Por medio del análisis de los registros es posible extraer información relevante que puede ayudar a entender los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje dentro de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje. En la presente investigación se analizaron los registros de navegación de estudiantes dentro de un curso de una facultad de ingeniería. El objetivo de este proyecto fue el de analizar las características de navegación de los estudiantes a través de la identificación, caracterización y síntesis de la forma en la que interactúan con la plataforma. Se infiere, derivado de los resultados, que los estudiantes aplican estrategias diferentes de aprendizaje y que siguen trayectorias de navegación individualizadas.
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Lavigne, G., Gutiérrez Ruiz, G., McAnally-Salas, L. et al. Log Analysis in a Virtual Learning Environment for Engineering Students. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 12, 113–128 (2015). https://doi.org/10.7238/rusc.v12i3.2162
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7238/rusc.v12i3.2162