Using agglomerative hierarchical clustering to model learner participation profiles in online discussion forums

Abstract

Online discussion forums are a key element in virtual learning environments. The way learners participate in discussion boards can be a very useful source of indicators for teachers to facilitate their tasks. The use of a two-stage analysis strategy based on an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper to identify different participation profiles adopted by learners in online discussion forums. Different parameters are used to characterize learners' activity (amount of posts, rhythm, depth of threads, crossed replies, etc). Participation profiles are identified and analyzed in terms of behavior and performance.