Mining learners' disorientation in Web-based learning

Web-based learning systems provide flexible ways for learners to develop their own learning strategies. However, some learners may experience more disorientation problems when they need to decide the learning strategies by themselves. In other words, not all of learners are suitable to use the Web-based learning systems. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how learners' individual differences influence their disorientation problems. To this end, this study addresses this issue. Unlike other previous studies, we will not only examine how learners' individual differences influence their disorientation but also investigate how the learners' disorientation influences their learning performance. The other novelty of this study is the fact that we use a data mining approach to conduct data analyses. The results indicate that learners' computer experience is a major factor to influence their disorientation. Moreover, their disorientation may also influence their learning performance. The results are useful for developing Web-based learning systems to reduce learners' disorientation.