Using learning analytics to visualise computer science teamwork

Abstract

Industry has called upon academia to better prepare Computer Science graduates for teamwork, especially in developing the soft skills necessary for collaborative work. However, the teaching and assessment of teamwork is not easy, with instructors being pressed for time and a lack of tools available to efficiently analyse student teamwork, where large cohorts are involved. We have developed a teamwork dashboard, founded on learning analytics, learning theory and teamwork models that analyses students’ online teamwork discussion data and visualises the team mood, role distribution and emotional climate. This tool allows educators to easily monitor teams in real-time. Educators may use the tool to provide students with feedback about team interactions as well as to identify problematic teams. We present a case study, trialing the dashboard on one university Computer Science course and include reflections from the course lecturer to determine its utility in monitoring online student teamwork.