Online learning has become a prevailing trend among adult learners. Therefore, this study investigated the learning time preference and the relationship between the course completion and learning activities among adult learners based on data from one online learning platform. Results indicate that a periodical fluctuation of participating online course study exists among adult learners. Additionally, the activity of posting on the discussion board is a main learning activity factor that influences their online course completion. It is expected that this study would help online learning system designers, education administrators and instructors to better understand the characteristics of adult learners and their learning activities to provide better accessibility and flexibility in online learning environments for them.

中文翻译：

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探索成人在线学习活动的特点——以EdX在线学院为例

在线学习已成为成人学习者的流行趋势。因此，本研究基于一个在线学习平台的数据，调查了成人学习者的学习时间偏好以及课程完成与学习活动之间的关系。结果表明，成人学习者参与在线课程学习存在周期性波动。此外，在讨论板上发帖的活动是影响他们完成在线课程的主要学习活动因素。预计这项研究将有助于在线学习系统设计者、教育管理者和教师更好地了解成人学习者的特点及其学习活动，从而为他们提供更好的在线学习环境的可访问性和灵活性。