A Methodology to Evaluate Complex Learning Resources to Improve e-Assessment from Collaborative and Networking Settings

Abstract

Cognitive assessment in collaborative and social learning requires a broad perspective about learning and the involved processes. Assessment processes have a significant effect on collaborative learning because they engage learners through accountability and constructive feedback. However, in order to design a coherent and efficient assessment system for collaborative and social learning it is necessary to design an enriched learning experience that predisposes the feedback and awareness in the group. This paper focuses on e-assessment of collaborative learning and extends it with Social Network Analysis (SNA) techniques that are able to analyze and represent social network interaction during the live sessions of collaboration by using collaborative complex learning resources (CC-LR). The knowledge extracted from analyzing the large amounts of interaction data related to social and collaborative networking is then integrated into a general assessment system to produce an efficient and personalized awareness and feedback about the collaborative activity and the social behavior of the participants to ultimately enhance and improve the collaborative learning experience with CC-LRs. The conceptual and methodological research approach is provided along with the evaluation design of e-assessment applications and tools that meet the mentioned requirements and goals.