Real-Time Visual Analytics to Evaluate Online Collaboration

In this interactive session, participants will explore the use of learning analytics to improve the design and facilitation of online discussions. These emerging analytics tools provide real-time visual displays of information, allowing educators to quickly assess online interactions. The presenters will discuss the early efforts of a pilot project conducted using SNAPP, an open-source learning analytics tool that graphically displays discussion-board collaboration patterns. SNAPP's visual representations of data illustrate aspects of online interactions that are difficult to discern using display tools currently available through learning management systems.