Activity, Knowledgeability and Participation Patterns in an Online Course

Abstract

Online learning is growing in all levels of education. Research indicates that student activity influences both learning and course satisfaction. This study examines how different combinations of student activity and knowledgeability influence the outcome of an Open University online course. The study suggests that both active and passive students, as well as students with different levels of knowledgeability in the content matter of the course, may have positive effects on online learning. The study presents four different student types on the basis of their activity and knowledgeability. Recognizing these student types and the participation patterns connected to them, may help course instructors to better understand the social dynamics within a group and to improve the outcomes of online courses.