TEF, data, learning analytics, and metrics
Thinking through how we frame the data-rich approaches of the TEF, and how/if that intersects with learning analytics.
Colin simpson Mon 11 Apr 2016 11:55PM
Learning analytics feels like something devised by economists. We can't avoid it but I agree, it needs human outcomes.
Rainer Usselmann Tue 12 Apr 2016 7:07PM
agree with @amberthomas and @colinsimpson: learning analytics is a reality that urgently needs shaping. Especially in the context of TEF. Is CSM part of the JISC initiative ?
Sheila MacNeill Thu 14 Apr 2016 2:04PM
I think we need to get our heads round how/when/why our learning and teaching systems are used in general. Helps with planning at institutional level - we can make data informed decisions about what systems to invest in or stop investing in; at programme/individual level to see patterns of (hopefully effective) activity and at the personal level for students (and staff) to see their progress. But Amber is right, we need to invest in people too. Data is not objective, it is collected and interpreted through subjective means too.
Paula Nottingham Fri 15 Apr 2016 2:42PM
There is a debate about whether the TEF will be disruptive and will enable institutions to recognise teaching and develop scaffolding and infrastructure that will benefit the institution. It has the potential to provide esteem to teachers. The counter-argument is that the TEF will not be useful to staff who provide teaching and learning, including those who work with learning in various non-traditional learning e.g the digital, open learning, and distance learning.
Amber Thomas · Mon 11 Apr 2016 10:14PM
The TEF comes out of a political regime that frames all levels of education in a way that i think is crude and reductionist. However the TEF is coming. So how do we respond? If we don't engage with requests for data about TEL use, we could be seen as defensive, and anyway, if the data crunchers need data from our systems they'll get it anyway. So i think we need to get our heads round data, and accelerate the interpretation analysis. Working especially with subject/dept TEL specialists.
The other thing we need to emphasise about learning analytics is that if it produces actionable insights then the point is to act on the insights. Who will contact the student? Invest in the people who will be the humans at the end of the dashboard, whether personal tutors, dept secretaries, support officers or mentors.