The Quantifiable Differences Between Liked and Non-Liked Notes in Online Discussions

• In Event: The Design of Learning Technologies for Diverse Contexts and Audiences

Abstract

This study explores the differences in students’ notes posted in course discussions that receive Likes and those that do not. A quantitative analysis of note metrics was conducted to examine these differences. Fifteen metrics were used to quantify note content across 41 online, discussion-based, graduate courses. The metrics selected potentially reflect the complexity of student discourse. The findings suggest that Liked notes appear to be more complex than non-Liked notes as indicated by quantitative comparisons. The analysis provides us with an initial understanding of what features of students’ posts are appealing to them to result in Liking another’s note. Thus the act of Liking students’ posts may contribute to our understanding of how students learn through online discourse.

Author

• Alexandra Makos, University of Toronto - OISE