Title: A parametrisable method for measuring online attendance in e-learning tools

Authors: Marta Zorrilla; Elena Álvarez; Diego García-Saiz

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, Santander, 39005, Spain ' Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Cantabria, Santander, 39005, Spain ' Department of Computer Science and Electronics, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, Santander, 39005, Spain

Abstract: An important factor that contributes towards the effectiveness of the learning-teaching process is the ability of instructors to monitor and measure the activity performed by the learners and consequently, to act according to the observed facts and metrics. As a result, e-learning tools lack the indicators that can be configured by the instructors in order to measure the activity performed by their learners, this work proposes a novel method positively evaluated by the instructors involved in distance courses taught in the University of Cantabria. This method is based on a customisable formula which allows instructors to set up particular parameters according to their goals and resources used for developing the learning activities on the course. These indicators enable instructors to assess the activity performed by their students in comparison with their peers and to detect students at the risk of drop-out among others. Furthermore, they could be used as predictors of performance.

Keywords: learning analytics; attendance levels; monitoring tools; technology-enhanced learning; attendance measurement; online attendance; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; distance learning; higher education; student performance; performance predictors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2015.074185

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2015 Vol.7 No.4, pp.289 - 308

Received: 09 Jun 2015
Accepted: 30 Jul 2015

Published online: 14 Jan 2016 *

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