Where Are You? Exploring Micro-Location In Indoor Learning Environments

Classroom teaching methodologies are gradually changing from masterclasses to active learning practices, and peer collaboration emerges as an essential skill to be developed. However, there are several challenges in evaluating collaborative activities more objectively, as well as to generate valuable information to teachers and appropriate feedback to students about their learning processes. In this context, multimodal learning analytics facilitate the evaluation of complex skills using data from multiple data sources. In this work, we propose the use of beacons to collect geolocation data from students who carry out collaborative tasks that involve movement and interactions through space. Furthermore, we suggest new ways to analyze, visualize, and interpret the data obtained. As a first practical approach, we carried out an exploratory, collaborative activity with sixteen undergraduate students working in a library, with bookshelves and work tables monitored by beacons. From the analysis of student movement dynamics, three types of well-differentiated student roles were identified: the collectors, those who go out to collect data from the bookshelves, ambassadors, those who communicate with other groups, and the secretaries, those who stay at their work desk to shape the requested essay. We believe these findings are valuable feedback for the enhancement of the learning activity and the first step towards MMLA-driven Teaching Process Improvement method.