Research Evidence on the Use of Learning Analytics

Jan Nedermeijer

Research Evidence on the Use of Learning Analytics. Implications for Education Policy.
Editors: Riina Vuorikari, Jonatan Castaño Muñoz. JRC Science for Policy Report. European Commission

In their report, they present some relevant remarks about Learning Analytics. Below a summary is given of the Key conclusions in the report:

“Key conclusions

The evidence shows that the use of learning analytics to improve and to innovate learning and teaching in Europe is still in its infancy. The high expectations, for example those outlined in the policy context above (‘through learning analytics, new and more learner-centred teaching methods can emerge’), have not yet been realised. Though early adopters are already taking a lead in research and development, the evidence on practice and successful implementation is still scarce. Furthermore, though the work across Europe on learning analytics is promising, it is currently fragmented.

This underlines the need for a careful build-up of research and experimentation, with both practice and policies that have a unified European vision. Therefore, the study suggests that work is needed to make links between learning analytics, the beliefs and values that underpin this field, and European priority areas for education and training 2020 (European Union, 2015). As a way of guiding the discussion about further development in this area, the Action List for Learning Analytics is proposed.

The Action List for Learning Analytics focuses on seven areas of activity. It outlines a set of actions for educators, researchers, developers and policymakers in which learning analytics are used to drive work in Europe’s priority areas for education and training. Strategic work should take place to ensure that each area is covered, that there is no duplication of effort, that teams are working on all actions and that their work proceeds in parallel.

Policy leadership and governance practices

Develop common visions of learning analytics that address strategic objectives and priorities
Develop a roadmap for learning analytics within Europe
Align learning analytics work with different sectors of education  Develop frameworks that enable the development of analytics
Assign responsibility for the development of learning analytics within Europe
Continuously work on reaching common understanding and developing new priorities

Institutional leadership and governance practices

Create organisational structures to support the use of learning analytics and help educational leaders to implement these changes
Develop practices that are appropriate to different contexts
Develop and employ ethical standards, including data protection

Collaboration and networking

Identify and build on work in related areas and other countries
Engage stakeholders throughout the process to create learning analytics that have useful features
Support collaboration with commercial organisations

Teaching and learning practices

Develop learning analytics that makes good use of pedagogy
Align analytics with assessment practices Quality assessment and assurance practices
Develop a robust quality assurance process to ensure the validity and reliability of tools
Develop evaluation checklists for learning analytics tools

Capacity building