Going From Virtual Learning Environment Data to Educational Constructs: A Call for Improved Construct Validity

• In Event: 45.029 - Technologically Enhanced Items: New Approaches to Assessment Design

Abstract

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are increasingly used in educational contexts to facilitate teaching and promote learning. One challenge in conducting research from VLE-based projects and the big data they produce is providing evidence for construct validity, which is defined as the ability to make evidence supported inferences from the sampled indicators to the constructs they are intended to represent (Shadish, Cook, & Campbell, 2002). The objective of this position paper is to promote an increase in formal conversations of construct validity in VLE-based educational research, and to encourage the open exchange of information on challenges to construct validity in such research projects. We achieve this aim by sharing some research experiences related to construct validity in a VLE-based project.

Authors

• Anne Corinne Huggins-Manley, University of Florida

• Carole R. Beal, University of Florida

• Walter L. Leite, University of Florida

• Sidney K. D'Mello, University of Notre Dame

• Dee Duygu Cetin-Berber, University of Florida