ERIC Number: EJ991274
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0735-6331
EISSN: N/A
Assessment of Learners' Attention to E-Learning by Monitoring Facial Expressions for Computer Network Courses
Chen, Hong-Ren
Journal of Educational Computing Research, v47 n4 p371-385 2012
Recognition of students' facial expressions can be used to understand their level of attention. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers guide the classes and continuously monitor and engage the students to evaluate their understanding and progress. Given the current popularity of e-learning environments, it has become important to assess the degree of attention during the online learning process. In this study, we used interactive video-capture facial-recognition technology to automatically detect the facial expressions of students as a means of analyzing their attention state during the e-learning process. Participants were divided into three different learning-strategy groups for a course on computer networks. An attention-detection feedback module evaluated participants' attention span during the learning sessions and initiated a response to redirect the participants' attention when they became distracted. The three groups of participants showed significant differences in their course achievement; this was attributed to the different learning strategies used for content presentation. A positive correlation was found between learning improvement and attention, indicating that video-capture facial-recognition technology can be used to provide timely learning assistance and appropriate stimulation to enhance the educational benefits of e-learning. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Interactive Video, Computer Software Evaluation, Distance Education, Online Courses, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Teaching Methods, Learning Strategies, Electronic Learning, Feedback (Response), Attention Span, Instructional Design, Computer System Design, Computer Science Education, College Instruction, Program Effectiveness, Statistical Analysis, Comparative Analysis, Pretests Posttests, Nonverbal Communication
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A