The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Dynamic measuring tools for online discourse
Author:	Saltz, Jeffrey S.
View Online:	njit-etd2006-034 (xxi, 165 pages ~ 16.7 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Information Systems
Degree:	Doctor of Philosophy
Program:	Information Systems
Document Type:	Dissertation
Advisory Committee:	Hiltz, Starr Roxanne (Committee chair) Turoff, Murray (Committee member) Passerini, Katia (Committee member) Scher, Julian M. (Committee member) Benbunan-Fich, Raquel (Committee member) Erickson, Thomas (Committee member)
Date:	2006-01
Keywords:	Asynchronous learning network (ALN) Distance learning Knowledge management Information visualization
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	When evaluating participation within an Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN), current best practices include counting messages and reviewing participant surveys. To understand the impact of more advanced dynamic measurement tools for use within an ALN, a web-based tool, known as iPET (the integrated Participation Evaluation Tool), was created. iPET, which leverages Social Network Analysis and Information Visualization techniques, was then evaluated via an empirical study. This research demonstrates that using a tool such as iPET increases participation within an ALN without increasing facilitator workload. Due to the fact that active online discussion is a key factor in the success of an ALN, this research demonstrates that dynamic measuring tools for online participation can help ensure a positive outcome within an online learning environment.