Evaluating the efficiency of social learning networks: Perspectives for harnessing learning analytics to improve discussions

Tenzin Doleck, David John Lemay, Christopher G. Brinton

Abstract: Highlights•Implements a SLN optimizer that calculates efficiency as the ratio of optimized to observed network connections.•The algorithm operationalizes SLN as a function of knowledge disseminating and seeking behaviors.•We employ the algorithm to assess the SLN in video lecture based massive open online course (MOOC).•We observe low learning benefits overall in the discussion forum studied, yet the optimizer finds efficiencies.•We validate the optimized network by invoking a measure of the informativeness of the overall network.