Researchers from Monash University have developed a new model for learning
analytics to help developers create better educational technology, following a
systematic literature review of learning analytics dashboards.
Over the last several years and with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the role of technology
in educational settings has increased significantly. From the widespread use of learning
management systems to social media, interactive simulations, and learning games, the
growth in technology has propelled the capacity for capturing data.
Despite learning analytics dashboards being frequently developed by education systems and
technology vendors with the goal to support self-regulated learning, there is little
understanding of how the current generation of learning analytics dashboards is equipped to
support the development of self-regulated learning.
In response, researchers from the Faculty of IT at Monash University, in collaboration with
colleagues from the University of Edinburgh and the University of South Australia have
developed a model for a user-centred learning analytics system, consisting of four
dimensions that are interconnected including scientific research of learning and education,
human-centred design, educational feedback, and evaluation.
“This user-centred learning model will emphasise critical properties of self-regulated learning
by focusing on metacognitive, cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects of learning and
guide the future work of developers, researchers, and adopters, to create better learning
systems,” said lead researcher, Professor Dragan Gasevic from the Faculty of IT.
By conducting an analysis of existing empirical studies about the use of learning analytics
dashboards, Processor Gasevic and his team found that existing learning analytics
dashboards are rarely grounded in recommendations established in educational research.
“Despite the growing adoption of learning analytics dashboards, there are many limitations in
the design of their systems which our research has identified. Particularly, learners find it
hard to interpret the data presented in dashboards and to make use of the feedback
presented in dashboards to inform future learning strategies,” Professor Gasevic said.
The results also showed that learning analytics dashboards cannot be suggested to
empower students to advance the understanding of their own learning. Current learning
analytics dashboards often fail to offer advice to students and teachers on the use of
effective learning tactics and strategies and have significant limitations in how their
evaluation is conducted and reported.
“Another major concern is that the impact of learning dashboards and recommendation
systems on student learning and success is found to be relatively low. Feedback presented
in learning analytics dashboards can also be difficult to translate into a meaningful actionable
recommendation to guide students in their learning,” said Professor Gasevic.
Properly developed learning analytics tools can provide teachers with additional insights into
student learning strategies and also provide students with personalised advice on their
performance.
The value of learning analytics to support the development of self-regulated learning is
voiced by many stakeholders and this is especially relevant in the times of digitalisation in
which policymakers and education leaders recognise skills for self-regulated learning as
essential for the future of life and work.
To read the research paper, please visit: https://bit.ly/2ZfPDNa
Latest posts by Education Technology Solutions (see all)
- BenQ Launches First EDLA-Certified Interactive Displays for Education with Google Mobile Services (GMS) - November 17, 2023
- How AI technology is unlocking new opportunities for educators and pathways for learning - October 11, 2023
- A Strategic Implementation of Contemporary Digital Technologies - July 11, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment.
There are no comments
Add yours