The evolving field of learning analytics research in higher education

From data analysis to theory generation, an agenda for future research

Abstract

Over the last decade the deployment and use of learning analytics has become routine in many universities around the world. The ability to analyse the way students interact with technology has demonstrated significant value for providing insights into student learning and there are now a wide range of uses for learning analytics in education. From use as a diagnostic tool, to a method for prediction, learning analytics in higher education has an emphasis on a wide range of outcome measures, including student retention, progression, attainment, performance, mastery, employability and engagement. In exploring how learning analytics can improve learning practice by transforming the ways we support learning processes, this editorial highlights some of the learning analytics research that has been published in AJET to date.