Title: An approach for LMS assessment

Authors: Stavros Valsamidis; Ioannis Kazanidis; Sotirios Kontogiannis; Alexandros Karakos

Addresses: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus Kimmeria, 67100, Xanthi, Greece ' Kavala Institute of Technology, Agios Loukas, 65404, Kavala, Greece ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus Kimmeria, 67100, Xanthi, Greece ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus Kimmeria, 67100, Xanthi, Greece

Abstract: Learning management systems (LMSs) are software tools designed to manage user learning interventions. On the other hand, in most LMSs there are neither appropriate metrics nor algorithms embedded in them which would facilitate their qualitative and quantitative measurement. The purpose of this paper is to use existing techniques in a different way, in order to analyse the log file of an LMS. Three metrics, enrichment, homogeneity and interest in course usage measurement are used. Data mining techniques, such as classification, clustering and association, are applied to the LMS data with the use of the open source software tool Weka. Two algorithms for course classification and suggestion actions are also described. A case study based on the proposed approach was applied to LMS data from a Greek University. The results confirmed the validity of the approach and showed a strong relationship between the course usage and the corresponding students' grades in the exams.

Keywords: learning management systems; LMS; course usage assessment; indexes; interest metrics; data mining techniques; algorithms; software tools; user learning interventions; qualitative measurement; quantitative measurement; log files; enrichment; homogeneity; course classification; clustering; association techniques; open source software; Weka; Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis; machine learning software; Greece; universities; higher education; course usage; student grades; exams; examinations; Kavala Institute of Technology; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2012.051544

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2012 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.265 - 283

Received: 10 Jun 2011
Accepted: 02 Feb 2012
Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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