What participation types of learners are there in connectivist learning: an analysis of a cMOOC from the dual perspectives of social network and concept network characteristics

Abstract

ABSTRACT Learners in connectivist learning are diverse. It’s necessary to make a clear understanding of learners’ participation types and characteristics for optimizing the learning support service and learning evaluation in connectivist learning. This study aims to describe different types of learners in connectivist learning from two dimensions of social network and concept network characteristics. We analyzed 10598 collected data output during a 12-week cMOOC “Internet Driven Education Reform: Dialogue between Theory and Practice” in China. Using social network analysis, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, the K-means cluster analysis and lag sequential analysis to identify different participation types, we found: 1) Five types of learners in cMOOCs were obtained, namely “connected creative learners”, “social learners”, “reflective learners”, “wandering learners”, “marginal learners”; 2) The outstanding learners of connected creative learners, social learners and reflective learners, are in the minority; 3) Most learner types are relatively stable, but there is a possibility of conversion between some different participation types. Based on the above conclusions, this study puts forward some suggestions on cMOOC design. This study gives insight into the characteristics of five types of learners in cMOOC, so that future designers and facilitators can understand, design and support more effective cMOOCs for learners.