An area which has gained popularity in recent years in the education sector is learning analytics. Learning analytics can be understood as the collection, measurement and reporting of learners data and of their contexts, for purposes of understanding and optimizing learning and the environments in which it occurs.
For sure, an important factor leading to this recent emergence of learning analytics is developments in data mining and the advance in technology with the increased availability of educational data which may be measured. This area is more readily available in mobile or online learning as opposed to face to face. Mainly this is because it is easier to capture the logs of student interactions when the activity and communication are mediated by devices such as computers or tablets. Face to face learning poses challenges in capturing such data. Advents in technology makes this possible where a simple example are reading apps which provide the user with texts based on lexical assessment results. The individual learners are automatically posed with readings which are suited to their level, thus matching text’s complexity with reader’s skill level guiding the user to read appropriate books.
One may argue that learning analytics may lead to automation of learning, to a learning process privy of its soul; without any contact. Nowadays the educational community is provided with analytic tools through which date can be collated and interpreted. This paves the way towards a personalised learning experience, predicting and identifying the needs of the individual and how these needs may be met. Learning Analytics can provide a positive feedback loop between field research and actual practice.
Imagine quizzes which are autonomously adapted to the student’s competence, elliciting learning tailored to the individual. Imagine school leaders and educators who can better equip themselves to understand the needs of their students. Such analytics can open the possibility for educator networks to share and collaborate to open new frontiers in education. The possibilities are endless.
Read more:
https://elearningindustry.com/learning-analytics-analyze-lesson
http://www.learning-analytics.info/journals/index.php/JLA/article/view/5131/5813
Click to access BakerSiemensHandbook2013.pdf
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