Learning Analytics
Learning analytics refers to the interpretation of a wide range of data produced by and gathered
on behalf of students to assess academic progress, predict future performance, and spot potential
issues. Data are collected from explicit student actions, such as completing assignments and
taking exams, and from tacit actions, including online social interactions, extracurricular activities,
posts on discussion forums, and other activities that are not typically viewed as part of a student’s
work. The goal of learning analytics is to enable teachers and schools to tailor educational
opportunities to each student’s level of need and ability. Learning analytics promises to harness
the power of advances in data mining, interpretation, and modelling to improve understanding of
teaching and learning, and tailor education to individual students more effectively. Still in its very
early stages, learning analytics is an emerging scientific practice that hopes to redefine what we
know about learning by mining and investigating the vast amount of data produced by students
as they engage in academic activities.