Identifying individual differences using log-file analysis: Distributed learning as mediator between conscientiousness and exam grades

Online learning poses major challenges on students' self-regulated learning. This study investigated the role of learning strategies and individual differences in cognitive abilities, high school GPA and conscientiousness for successful online learning. We used longitudinal log-file data to examine learning strategies of a large cohort (N = 424) of university students taking an online class. Distributed learning, the use of self-tests and a better high school GPA was associated with better exam grades. The positive effect of conscientiousness on exam grades was mediated by distributed learning. Conscientious students distributed their studying over the course of the semester, which in turn, improved grades. The results provide insights into objective study behavior of online students and shed light on the question of how individual differences in cognitive and non-cognitive prerequisites shape the use of learning strategies and exam grades. Practical implications for online course designers and ideas for further research are discussed.