An alternative strategy for grouping students in eLearning using an Enneagram methodology and eye tracking

Today's trend in education is to integrate computer-based tasks with practical activities. Students are often encouraged to work in groups to solve complex tasks and develop collaboration skills. But classical grouping strategies can't be used in eLearning environments where there's little or no physical interaction between parties. We introduce a computer-based grouping method that takes into account the student typologies and the neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) profile. Typologies are determined, according to the Enneagram methodology, with the RHETI test. The NLP profile is evaluated by an eye-tracking system, based on eye movement patterns. Case studies show that groups created using this method show an increased communication among the members and better practical results. This is due to the members' compatibility, which facilitates better collaboration.