Organization, Information and Learning Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-29-2025

Abstract

Online discussion forums are essential tools for fostering collaboration and knowledge construction in online learning environments. However, challenges such as low engagement, underutilization, and limited methods for evaluating knowledge construction remain. This dissertation addresses these challenges through three interrelated research papers. The first is a systematic review that analyzes research from 2019 to 2024, identifying frameworks and methods used to measure collaborative knowledge construction in online discussion forums. The second is a methods paper proposing Human-AI Collaboration (HAIC) using semantic similarity to enhance the scalability and reliability of content analysis. The third is a study that applies this method to automate the Interaction Analysis Model (IAM), demonstrating how AI can support the prediction of knowledge construction phases in discussion forums. Together, these studies advance the theory and practice of online learning by offering a scalable, consistent, and efficient method for analyzing and improving knowledge construction in online education.

Degree Name

Organization, Information and Learning Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Organization, Information & Learning Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Victor Law

Second Committee Member

Nick Flor

Third Committee Member

Adam Papendieck

Fourth Committee Member

Stephanie Spong

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Construction, Content Analysis, IAM, Human-AI Collaboration, Semantic Similarity

Document Type

Dissertation

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Available for download on Thursday, July 29, 2027

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