Idea Identification and Analysis (I2A): A Search for Sustainable Promising Ideas Within Knowledge-Building Discourse

Abstract

This is a study on the identification and analysis of promising ideas, which examines the knowledge building discourse of 20 students within Knowledge Forum, through the I2A system in a mixed method approach. It is a challenge in providing support to maintain efforts in identifying and improving ideas, which this study addresses through visualization and step-wise analysis of discourse network measures that are calculated using the Knowledge Building Discourse Explorer. By using Social Network Analysis with chosen keywords and analyzing quality of notes, we are able to identify and trace the evolvement of ideas that become promising talking points within the discourse space. Findings show that ideas can be classified and further analyzed to have an impact on subsequent discourse. Teachers can focus their resources on promising ideas that help the community maintain engagement in creative work to improve ideas, so as to learn more effectively and attain knowledge creation goals.