Unit 5
Lesson 20; Learning Analytics
Presented by; Princess Joy U. Osana
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to;
·Identify the application of learning analytics in education
·Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of learning analytics as applied in the
context of education; and
·Discuss some experiences of Asian universities on the use of learning analytics
Introduction
Have you ever thought search engines seem to know the next word that you
will key in the search bar? Perhaps, you have already wondered why the
advertisements popping out on your social media are within your interest and
taste. This concept is the power of data analytics-the science of analyzing
raw data in order to make conclusions about that information. What if we use
this power of technology in education? Could there be any advantages and
drawbacks? In this lesson, you will be exposed to "learning analytics" and how
it could be potentially used in the parlance of educational technology. Are you
ready? Read on!
Learning Analytics: Definition and Applications
Because of the fast pace of Internet development, data has been easily
accessible and openly available. Through the use of artificial intelligence,
analysts can make use of the data online to come up with decisions primarily
used in advertising and business. This concept is called data analytics.
Learning Analytics: Definition and Applications
The same concept is also used in the context of education. Granular and massive
data from student interactions in online activities can be used to understand and
measure learning. Educational technologists label it as learning analytics, educational
data mining, or academic analytics (Bienkowski, Feng, & Means, 2012; Elias, 2011).
The primordial aim of learning analytics is to capture a better understanding of the
educational settings and ultimately improve learning capabilities. In this sense,
teachers' and educators' decisions could be influenced mainly by using learning
analytics (Scheffel et al., 2014).
Learning Analytics: Definition and Applications
For instance, teachers can identify the preferred websites where resources could
be retrieved by mostly studying and comparing the number of visits to such sites.
In that way, teachers can enhance learning resource generation in their classes.
Using learning analytics, teachers can also predict and track learners' performance
and detect problematic issues of struggling students' risk (Educause, 2010;
Johnson, Smith, Willis, Levine, & Haywood, 2011). For instance, based on the
collected online data, Purdue University provided intervention measures to
struggling students using predictive modeling.
Learning Analytics: Definition and Applications
One recent study by Gedrimiene, Silvola, Pursiainen, Rusanen, and Muukkonen
(2019) provided a summary of learning analytics utility ranging from student to
government level, it implies that learning analytics could be essential to
students, teachers, institutions, and the government. For instance, in using
data analytics, students can have personal interventions to improve their
learning of a concept. Meanwhile, the teachers can monitor students' learning
progres, while the government can use data for policymaking.
Educational Benefits in Using Learning Analytics
The discovery of learning analytics provides some benefits that can improve the delivery
of instruction. Below is a rundown of these benefits, culled from Avella et al.'s (2016)
study:
[Link] of target courses - Because artificial intelligence can be used to analyze
the preference and the needs of the students in terms of the courses that they would
like to learn more, educational institutions can easily decide on what programs could be
potentially offered to the students. In this way, a matching of the needs and the course
offerings is ensured.
Educational Benefits in Using Learning Analytics
2. Curriculum improvement - By analyzing big data, like
national achievement tests and other nationwide aptitude
exams, educators can reconfigure the curriculum. In this
way, the curriculum could be enriched by considering the
students' needs to optimize their potentials
[Link] of student learning experience and processes
- The learners' interactions and the trails they leave online
could be converted as big data to reveal learning behavior. In
that way, teachers can enrich learning experiences and
processes. Therefore, teachers can choose the most
appropriate teaching strategy and contextualize learning
options to facilitate their learning.
Educational Benefits in Using Learning Analytics
4. Personalization of learning -Using big data online, machine learning and artificial
intelligence can help in the customization of learning. For instance, an online
learning management system can provide real-time feedback through email when
learners need additional topics to learn or have already achieved the desired skills.
Moreover, the teachers could be informed on the frequency of the students logging in
a learning management system and the number of hours they are engaged in
accomplishing the course work. In that way, the teachers can monitor the pace of
students' learning and adjust teaching strategies simultaneously
5. Research opportunities in education - Using big data, educational researchers can easy
collaborate to do studies that could impact policymaking. Learning analytics can help
researchers identify gaps in education, leading to the creation of possible answers and
potential solutions. However, the lack of training among researchers on the use of big data
confronts many educational researchers.
Challenges in Using Learning Analytics in Education
While there is seemingly a plethora of benefits to education, learning analytics also
advances some challenges to the education sector. The following are the challenges:
1. Digital tracking and data collection - Big data comes from tracking and collecting
specific data. Many institutions cannot use big data, because they do not have the
necessary tools to track and manage students' data. It implies that institutions should
have platforms to track the number of times an individual logs into the course room. Aside
from social and online platforms, educators need to satisfy elements in collecting data.
These elements include the availability of resources and determination of suitability for
this type of learning environment and knowledge acquisition.
Challenges in Using Learning Analytics in Education
2. Learning environment - It should be noted that learning cannot happen in just one setting
many educational institutions advocate the use of blended learning modalities plus mobile
learning. In this way, data can be overwhelmingly present in many environments. How we can
collect, analyze, and use these multitudes of data is one pressing challenge to educators
nowadays.
3. Ethical and privacy issues - Ethicality, legality, and confidentiality
of the students are prime issues in using learning analytics. Some
privacy considerations include students' consent respect to privacy,
ensuring anonymity, and data accuracy. Sclater (2014) also mentioned
that ethical and privacy issues could consist of interpreting the data,
owning the data, archiving the data, and sharing the data with others
which are not related to the institution from where the data were
culled. Therefore, institutions should adopt a framework and a set of
policies to safeguard data privacy and ethical issues. If institutions do
not have such policies and framework, the data could be potentially
used for fraudulent activities that may endanger the lives of the
students.
Because of the advancement of technology and the Internet, data will be
continuously archived. It will result in a better understanding of students'
patterns, behavior, preferences, and needs. Hence, data-driven education
will prosper, which will result in better articulation of student centered
learning. However, issues and challenges.
Conclusion
Learning analytics is the use of data, technology, and artificial intelligence to
collect and analyze information about students’ learning in order to improve
educational outcomes. It helps teachers monitor student progress, identify
learners’ needs, and provide personalized instruction, while also supporting
institutions and governments in making better decisions and policies. Learning
analytics offers benefits such as improved curriculum, enhanced learning
experiences, and research opportunities; however, it also presents challenges
like data collection difficulties, varied learning environments, and ethical and
privacy concerns.
Thank you for Listening!