Examining the Relationship Between Early Participation and Academic Performance in Online Learning: A Large-Scale Analysis

• In Event: Investigating Links Between Motivation and Performance in Online Learning Settings

Abstract

There are theoretical arguments and empirical studies to support the various benefits of early participation in an online course. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the relationship between students’ early start in online learning and their course performance. We models the relationship of early participation in online courses and student final performance using multilevel logit modeling with student log data and other individual information from over 30,000 students enrolled in 22 online university courses. Results show that early participation in online course activities is significantly correlated with student final performance. This statistically significant relationship is larger if students begin 2 weeks earlier than if they start 1 week earlier.

Author

• Wanli Xing, University of Florida
  Presenting Author