Analyzing the Learning Modes of Learners using Time-Management Modules in Self-Paced Learning

Enhancing the effectiveness of e-learning is an important topic today. Many factors influence the effectiveness of learning, among which time management has the most direct impact on self-paced learning. This study developed a calendar time-management module to record the learning process in an self-paced learning environment. After analyzing the learning modes, we extracted learners that displayed intensive learning towards the end of a course period. We implemented two types of time management modules on the extracted subjects: a countdown timer and a course schedule module, and then analyzed the influence of the time modules on the learners in self-paced learning. The objective was to promote diligence by helping learners to begin learning earlier in the course period. Our results demonstrate that the incorporation of the countdown timer and course schedule time-management modules altered the distribution of study times and prompted all of the learners to complete the reading of course materials. The countdown timer module presented a stronger correlation with the tendencies of time management and the use of the time modules. This indicates that learners who are sensitive to changing numbers are more likely to follow a set course. Overall, the time modules differed in the degree of impact according to the characteristics of learners; however, the use of time modules was proven to enhance the effectiveness of studying.