Seeing is believing: using Data Visualisation for formative feedback in computer supported online learning collaboration

Professional Issues in Software Engineering (PISE) is a final year computer science module taught at the University of Limerick. PISE focuses on the ethical, legal and social consequences of the design, implementation and use of information systems. A central pedagogy to the module is the group-based approach to teaching and assessment. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Moodle, has been used to facilitate this approach. However, the sheer volume of data created by student interaction with the VLE caused a problem of information overload for the lecturer. This paper describes the nature of the problem and the use of formative assessment to provide useful learner feedback. The paper finally discusses the use of Data Visualisation and a tool, DVReport, that was specifically developed for Moodle to enhance the learning.