NJIT eTD: The New Jersey Institute of Technology's electronic Theses & Dissertations
Title:
Dynamic measuring tools for online discourse
Author:
Saltz, Jeffrey S.
Document Type:
Dissertation
Department:
Department of Information Systems
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Major:
Information Systems
Advisory Committee:
Hiltz, Starr Roxanne
Turoff, Murray
Passerini, Katia
Scher, Julian M.
Benbunan-Fich, Raquel
Erickson, Thomas
Thesis Date:
2006, January
Keywords:
Asynchronous learning network (ALN)
Distance learning
Knowledge management
Information visualization
Availability:
Unrestricted
Abstract:

When evaluating participation within an Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN), current best practices include counting messages and reviewing participant surveys. To understand the impact of more advanced dynamic measurement tools for use within an ALN, a web-based tool, known as iPET (the integrated Participation Evaluation Tool), was created. iPET, which leverages Social Network Analysis and Information Visualization techniques, was then evaluated via an empirical study. This research demonstrates that using a tool such as iPET increases participation within an ALN without increasing facilitator workload. Due to the fact that active online discussion is a key factor in the success of an ALN, this research demonstrates that dynamic measuring tools for online participation can help ensure a positive outcome within an online learning environment.

Complete Thesis:
njit-etd2006-034 (189 pages ~ 17,099 KB pdf)
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Created February 5, 2008
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