Exploring the function of discussion forums in MOOCs: comparing data mining and graph-based approaches

In this paper we present an analysis (in progress) of a dataset containing forum exchanges from three different MOOCs. The forum data is enhanced because together with the exchanges and the full text, we have a description of the design and pedagogical function of forums in these courses and a certain level of detail about the users, which includes achievement, completion, and in some instances more details such as: education; employment; age; and prior MOOC exposure. Although a direct comparison between the datasets is not possible because the nature of the participants and the courses are different, what we hope to identify using graph-based techniques is a characterization of the patterns in the nature and development of communication between students and the impact of the ‘teacher presence’ in the forums. With the awareness of the differences, we hope to demonstrate that student engagement can be directed ‘bydesign’ in MOOCs: teacher presence should therefore be planned carefully in the design of large-scale courses.