A model for online learner support based on selecting appropriate peer tutors

Abstract

Tutors have only limited time to support students. In this paper, we discuss a model that addresses the question of how to help students answer content-related questions. A small group of students is created, which consists of the student who asked the question and peers who should be able to answer it. Criteria used to compose the group are the content of the question in relation to the knowledge and skills of the peers. The model supports the collaboration with text fragments selected from the study materials. We will introduce the model and briefly discuss the results of the calibration and a simulation of the model. Finally, we will discuss the outcome of an experiment with two groups of approximately 50 students, who used the model for a period of 8 weeks. The results indicate that the students positively value the model and that it is possible to solve a substantial number of their questions.

How to Trigger Emergence and Self-Organisation in Learning Networks

“…The mostly selected reasons given were: "I'm aware that other students also have questions" and 'It improved my knowledge and understanding'. In particular the learners in the experimental group gave more positive feedback and indicated that they would like to use ad-hoc transient communities in other Learning Networks (Van Rosmalen et al 2008a). Furthermore the members remarked that they wanted facilities that allow them to contact the peers outside the context of the peer tutoring ad-hoc transient community.…”

Changing the Business Model of a Distance Teaching University

“…5. Using the learning network as a peer support network to increase the support facilites without increasing the teacher load (Kester et al, 2007;Rosmalen et al, 2008). 6.…”

E-portfolios in lifelong learning

“…That can be through direct contact with other people, but also through content that people make available. Effective learning communities stimulate and promote interactions between its participants by the opportunities social learning technologies offer in finding the proper content and the right people [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Not only does this support traditional forms of learning but it also allows new social learning activities to occur [12][13][14][15].…”