Factors influencing peer learning and performance in MOOC asynchronous online discussion forum

Abstract

Most studies on traditional asynchronous online discussion suggest that facilitating dialogue, that is, commenting forum activities, result in better learning and performance. However, due to open entry and diverse learner backgrounds, learner behaviour in massive open online courses (MOOCs) may be different. Viewing forum messages, which involves fewer mental and physical actions as well as less cognitive processing, rather than posting forum massages, might better match the learner's study purpose. In this study, we investigated the effects of three common types of online MOOC discussion forum activities (viewing, voting and commenting) on student peer learning (peer reviews) and performance (quiz scores). We used stepwise regression models to analyse two data samples of a humanity and art MOOC provided by a private university in the United States for exploring factors influencing peer learning and performance. The results indicate that peer learning and performance were primarily predicted by viewing, and to a lesser extent by commenting. The three plausible explanations for the findings are the learner's study purpose, weaker instructor-learner ties, and voluntary forum participation. We suggest ways to encourage viewing messages in forums and present limitations and further directions.

Understanding Student Engagement in Large-Scale Open Online Courses: A Machine Learning Facilitated Analysis of Student’s Reflections in 18 Highly Rated MOOCs

“…In conventional online courses, learners usually share the same academic goals, are familiar with one another, and are supervised closely by the teacher (Chiu & Hew, 2018). However in MOOCs, learners do not know most of their peers, are not supervised by the teacher, and are under no expectation to complete the course (Chiu & Hew, 2018).…”

Visual Analytics: Design Study for Exploratory Analytics on Peer Profiles, Activity and Learning Performance for MOOC Forum Activity Assessment

“…Forum discussion is one of the main features and activities within MOOC structure apart from content delivery, assessment and evaluation. The forum discussion activities described as viewing, voting and commenting [1]. Johnson [6] has explained in a general perspective on the challenges of the virtual learning environment, which is relatable to the MOOC current environment as listed below.…”

“…Each learns within personal pace, then required completing the quiz, practical exercise and peerreviewed project. In general, learning activities in MOOC can be classified into two categories: receiving information (e.g., video lectures), and peers or instructors interaction (e.g., forum discussion) [1].…”

Do tutors make a difference in online learning? A comparative study in two Open Online Courses

“…Wise and Cui (2018) found that students who contributed to forums had higher passing rates than those who did not, although among the learners who passed the course there were no differences in course grades between contributors and noncontributors to the forums. Chiu and Hew (2018) found that it was actually the viewing of the messages rather than posting contributions to the forums that increased quiz scores. Onah, Sinclair and Boyatt (2015) compared tutor supported and peer supported forums, and found higher completion rates among students who chose the tutor supported mode.…”