Visualization for Analyzing Learning Logs in the Seamless Learning Environment

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative visualization method called Seamless Learning Visualization (SLV). As far, several researchers have introduced in the seamless learning environments in order to bridge formal learning over informal learning. However, their focus was the implementation of the seamless learning environment. Our proposed SLV is to visualize and analyze learning logs collected in the seamless learning environment. This paper describes how our visualization method could contribute to bridging the gap between formal and informal learning. An experiment was conducted to evaluate (1) whether SLV would be beneficial in terms of usability in finding words in the seamless learning environment and (2) Which visualization layout (Random layout, Force-directed layout, Yifan-multilevel layout and SLV) is effective in supporting learning in the seamless learning environment. Fifteen international students participated in the evaluation experiment in order to evaluate (1) and (2). In the experiment, it was found that SLV was very beneficial in terms of usability and effectiveness for learning than previous visualization methods.