Visualising and inferring LMS discussions

Abstract

This paper gives an example of how a visualising application applied to the database of a campus LMS could provide a quick and accurate reading on the success of discussions within a given class. The prototype presented has been applied to multiple streams of discussions within a large class to determine if collaboration and cooperation were in evidence. As institutions and academics become more accountable for educational outcomes, we need simple, effective ways to determine if best pedagogical practice in instructional design is in fact getting the desired results.