Predicting Students' Progression in Higher Education by Using the Random Forest Algorithm.

This paper proposes the use of data available at Manchester Metropolitan University to assess the variables that can best predict student progression. We combine virtual learning environment (VLE) and management information systems student records datasets and apply the Random Forest (RF) algorithm...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Systems Research & Behavioral Science Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 194 - 204
Autores principales: Hardman, Julie, Paucar‐Caceres, Alberto, Fielding, Alan
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Mar/Apr2013
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ssf&AN=86367252&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ssf
    uiTerm: 86367252
    longDbName: Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson)
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        10927026
        2SN
      jtl: Systems Research & Behavioral Science
      issn: 10927026
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Mar/Apr2013
      vid: 30
      iid: 2
      pid: 480
      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
    artinfo:
      ui:
        86367252
        10.1002/sres.2130
      ppf: 194
      ppct: 10
      formats:
      tig:
        atl: Predicting Students' Progression in Higher Education by Using the Random Forest Algorithm.
      aug:
        au:
          Hardman, Julie
          Paucar‐Caceres, Alberto
          Fielding, Alan
        affil:
          Manchester Metropolitan University, Business School, Manchester UK
          Manchester Metropolitan University, School of Science and Environment, Manchester UK
      su:
        Manchester Metropolitan University
        Higher education
        Classroom environment
        Achievement gains (Education)
        Courseware
        Management information systems
        Computer software
      sug:
        subj:
          Higher education
          Classroom environment
          Manchester Metropolitan University
          Computer and software stores
          Software publishers (except video game publishers)
          Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
          Computer, computer peripheral and pre-packaged software merchant wholesalers
          Achievement gains (Education)
          Courseware
          Management information systems
          Computer software
      keyword:
        evaluation
        management information systems
        Random Forest
        student progression
        virtual learning environment
        evaluation
        management information systems
        Random Forest
        student progression
        virtual learning environment
      ab: This paper proposes the use of data available at Manchester Metropolitan University to assess the variables that can best predict student progression. We combine virtual learning environment (VLE) and management information systems student records datasets and apply the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to ascertain which variables can best predict students' progression. RF was deemed useful in this case because of the large amount of data available for analysis. The paper reports on the initial findings for data available in the period 2007-2008. Results seem to indicate that variables such as students' time of day usage, the last time students access the VLE and the number of document hits by staff are the best predictors of student progression. The paper contributes to VLE evaluation and highlights the usefulness of RF, a technique initially developed in the field of biology, in evaluating an educational and learning environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
    refInfo:
    copyright:
      @attributes:
        flag: N
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N