Exploring Linguistic Sophistication of Discussion Board Posts in University Learning Management Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58459/icce.2024.4860Abstract
This study characterizes linguistic sophistication within university-based online courses using Learning Management Systems (LMS) across various academic disciplines. The research employs natural language processing tools to extract detailed linguistic features from student discussion posts and utilizes Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to identify distinct linguistic profiles. These profiles are analyzed to understand how linguistic sophistication varies across different educational contexts, specifically among various schools and courses. Subsequent cluster analysis reveals statistically significant distinct groups based on linguistic attributes. Despite the comprehensive analysis, the study did not establish significant predictive models linking linguistic sophistication to any direct educational outcomes. Instead, the findings highlight significant differences in language use across disciplines, suggesting that each academic field may have unique linguistic norms. The study emphasizes the need for further research to explore the underlying factors that influence these linguistic characteristics and their implications for educational practices.