A feature-based analysis of MOOC for learning analytics

Abstract

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a popular way for offering online courses, globally, by the education providers. With large number of learners enrolled in the courses, it becomes difficult to help the learners, individually, in achieving learning objectives. But, large amount of data gets generated from activities performed by the learner. Learning analytics uses the learner-generated educational data to improve the learning process. Currently, MOOCs provide limited support to the learners for learning analytics. In this paper, an analysis of features offered to the learners by different MOOC platforms for learning analytics, is presented. For this, features of several key platforms are identified and further categorized for analysis purposes. The comparative analysis helps during selection of a platform on basis of the analytical features supported by them. Also, a recommendation is provided for enhancement of learning analytics capabilities of MOOC platforms.