New partners to evaluate effectiveness of learning analytics

Nottingham Trent University and Sheffield Hallam University have been appointed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions prompted by learning analytics – systems that collate student engagement data – following an open call to higher education providers earlier this year.

According to a recent review by TASO, existing evidence suggests that learning analytics interventions can be effective but the impact is highly dependent on context and design choices. There is no comprehensive model supported by a strong evidence base to guide instructors in their work and there is little evidence from a UK setting.

In order to contribute to the evidence,TASO ran an open call to higher education providers in May 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions prompted by learning analytics systems.

University learning analytics systems collate student engagement data generated when students interact with university infrastructure, such as attendance monitoring systems, virtual learning environments and library facilities.

The Behavioural Insights Team has been appointed as an independent evaluator for the work.The results are due in early 2023 and a final report is expected in the Spring.