Learning Analytics: Insights Into the Natural Learning Behavior of Our Students

摘要

The migration from traditional classrooms to online learning environments is in full effect. In the midst of these changes, a new approach to learning analytics needs to be considered. Learning analytics refers to the process of collecting and studying usage data in order to make instructional decisions that will support student success. In learning analytics, usage data can refer to a wide range of information being produced by the observed population. Researchers will data mine server logs, discussion forum posts, time stamps, or any other systematically recorded data that reflects the behavior of the users being studied (Brown 2011).Colleges and universities already collect extensive amounts of student data. These data, though, are typically used to create a profile of the current and past student populations. Rarely do these seem to be used beyond creating a demographic or economic profile. Learning analytics, on the other hand, places a greater emphasis on the qualitative data that originate from learning behavior.