Visualizations of User Data in a Social Media Enhanced Web-based Environment in Higher Education

Authors

  • Kirsi Silius Tampere University of Technology, Intelligent Information Systems Laboratory, PO.Box 553, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland
  • Anne-Maritta Tervakari Tampere University of Technology, Intelligent Information Systems Laboratory, PO.Box 553, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland
  • Meri Kailanto Tampere University of Technology, Intelligent Information Systems Laboratory, PO.Box 553, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v8iS2.2740

Keywords:

learning, learning analytics, social network services, visualization of user data

Abstract


In this article, we introduce the results of a study concerning user data visualizations in the context of the TUT Circle, a social media enhanced web service for learning, networking, and communication at the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). Well-designed visualizations can provide valuable insight into student activity and participation in an online course, and therefore support both teachersâ?? and studentsâ?? strategic decision making. We found social network analytics and visualizations useful in providing information to improve the pedagogical practices of online courses, as well as the studentsâ?? overall engagement in their studies and study lives. However, to be useful, the visualizations need to have enough hints so that the users can interpret the different elements in them in the right way.

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Published

2013-06-26

How to Cite

Silius, K., Tervakari, A.-M., & Kailanto, M. (2013). Visualizations of User Data in a Social Media Enhanced Web-based Environment in Higher Education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 8(S2), pp. 13–19. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v8iS2.2740

Issue

Vol. 8 (2013): Special Issue: EDUCON2013

Section

Special Focus Papers

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