Fostering collective knowledge advancement through idea-friend maps in a large knowledge building community

Abstract

This study designed and examined a knowledge-building environment that combined a learning analytics tool for creating “Idea-Friend Maps” with Knowledge Forum for Primary Five students. Students in the experimental class (n=53) used the Idea-Friend Map tool, whereas those in the comparison class (n=54) conducted the same knowledge-building activities without the use of analytics tools. Results showed that students in the experimental class showed better conceptual understanding, higher levels of social participation, and more advanced collective knowledge. Analyses were conducted on how students used analytics to support their knowledge building inquiry. These findings suggested that learning analytics can be used to promote knowledge building in large communities.