Ordinal Behavior Classification of Student Online Course Interactions

TL;DR

This paper compares student interaction patterns in on-campus and MOOC-style online courses to identify behavioral differences and similarities using browser-based data from Georgia Tech's CS1301 course.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of student behaviors across on-campus and online formats, filling a gap in understanding interaction patterns in different course delivery modes.

Findings

Identifies distinct browser usage patterns between cohorts.

Highlights similarities in engagement levels across formats.

Provides insights for improving online course design.

Abstract

The study in interaction patterns between students in on-campus and MOOC-style online courses has been broadly studied for the last 11 years. Yet there remains a gap in the literature comparing the habits of students completing the same course offered in both on-campus and MOOC-style online formats. This study will look at browser-based usage patterns for students in the Georgia Tech CS1301 edx course for both the online course offered to on-campus students and the MOOCstyle course offered to anyone to determine what, if any, patterns exist between the two cohorts.