I am really fascinated with the field of learning analytics and the possibilities for transforming learning. One thing I think technology can do very well is personalize the learning experience for each student. Used properly, and that is a separate issue, learning analytics could revolutionize online learning.
Educause “7 Things You Should Know About Learning Analytics” defines analytics as tools that provide statistical evaluation of rich data sources to discern patterns that can help individuals at companies, educational institutions, or governments make more informed decisions. In commercial usage, analytics software may evaluate data mined from purchasing records to allow a web-based retailer to suggest products that might interest customers or allow a search engine to target ads based on an individual’s location and demographic data.
This was a good explanation about analytics, in general, by IBM. “How It Works: Analytics.”
George Siemens is a great resource for information on Learning Analytics. This post, in particluar, does a good job explaining Learning Analtyics.
Learning analytics is the use of intelligent data, learner-produced data, and analysis models to discover information and social connections, and to predict and advise on learning.
I really enjoyed the session that George led at Educause “Transforming Learning Through Analytics: A Conversation” with Vernon Smith from Rio Salado College. George made his slides available on SlideShare and I embedded them below.