"Analyzing Interaction in Online Learning Environments", presented by Anna Rose Leach

Bio: Anna R. Leach is a PhD student at the School of Information minoring in Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural studies.  Her research focuses on the interaction in online learning environments, and she is particularly interested in the ways that social network analysis can be used to analyze and visualize the ties of the interaction among people, information, and technology. 

Abstract: This colloquium talk discusses research in progress around interaction in online learning environments.  It begins with a brief discussion of engagement and quickly moves into types of interaction in online learning environments (OLE).  Then, we will explore the possible uses of social network analysis (SNA) to examine OLE interaction.  Next, we will briefly discuss critical reviews of published research that uses SNA in online learning networks.  The talk ends with research directions and future work.