Towards combined network and text analytics of student discourse in online discussions

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for the evaluation of students’ use of asynchronous discussions in online learning environments. In particular, the paper shows how students’ cognitive development across different course topics can be examined using the combination of natural language processing and graph-based analysis techniques. Drawing on the theoretical foundation of the community of inquiry model, we show how topic modeling and epistemic network analysis can provide qualitatively new insight into students’ development of critical and deep thinking skills. We also show how the same method can be used to investigate the effectiveness of instructional interventions and its effect on student learning. The results of this study and its practical implications are further discussed.