RESOURCE: About our Paper – What data and analytics can and do say about effective learning | npj Science of Learning Community
Our article, “What data and analytics can and do say about effective learning”, was published in the journal npj Science of Learning recently. The Nature Research team had a few questions for us about our article, which Linda Corrin and I have answered below.
What is learning analytics, and how does it differ from ‘traditional’ analysis of classroom learning through tests, essays and student–teacher interactions?
Learning analytics refers to the collection, integration and analysis of data across multiple sources (predominantly digital learning environments, student information systems etc.) for the purpose of understanding and enhancing student learning. The scope of learning analytics includes these “traditional” analyses and seeks to find new ways to understand and visualize the outcomes of the analysis. It also builds on these previous forms of analysis in education in that the data can now be derived from multiple sources and integrated to allow more sophisticated statistical analysis. The combined datasets can end up being quite large with many possible indicators of student progress and performance. These data can be used to detect patterns in student learning behaviour and performance beyond what was possible previously.
Written by Brian S McGowan, PhD
Brian is a research scientist and educational technologist. He helped transform Pfizer’s Medical Education Group and previously served in educational leadership roles at HealthAnswers, Inc.; Acumentis, LLC.; Cephalon; and Wyeth. He taught graduate medical education programs at Arcadia University for 10 years. Dr. McGowan recently authored the book "#socialQI: Simple Solutions for Improving Your Healthcare" and has been invited to speak internationally on the subject of information flow, technology, and learning in healthcare.
