National learning analytics service seeks to boost student attainment and cut drop outs
The world’s first national learning analytics service has been launched for the UK’s further and higher education sectors (FE and HE). It has the potential to transform students’ learning experience, support their wellbeing and boost achievement.
The technology, which has been developed by Jisc, the UK’s digital education body, uses real time and existing data to track student performance and activities.
From libraries to laboratories, learning analytics can monitor where, when and how students learn, so both they and their university or college can ensure they are making the most of their learning experience. Students themselves have access to the Study Goal app to track how they use their time, from revision to relaxation, to help them take full ownership of their personal learning and study strategies.
This AI approach brings existing data together in one place to support academic staff in their efforts to enhance student success, wellbeing and retention.
This world first is something which we believe will transform the student experience in the institutions across the UK that have signed up to use the service.
So far, 30 universities and colleges have signed up to Jisc’s learning analytics service, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to harness the collective power of data. Learning providers are already collecting separate data sets about students, but this service allows that information to be collated into something meaningful. For example, it can flag when a student’s attendance is dwindling and highlights course content they may not be engaging with.
A picture of student learning habits and progress emerges, which can help to identify those at risk of dropping out, allowing prompt interventions and support by a tutor or another staff member. Spotting these warning signs could be vital for struggling students.
The Study Goal app uses the same principles as a fitness tracker, allowing students to log study time, record attendance and view results. It encourages them to take control of their own learning by setting goals and benchmarking themselves against peers.
Academic and student support staff at participating institutions have access to Data Explorer, a dashboard that brings together information including virtual learning environment (VLE) usage, attendance and assessment. It includes a predictor, which can be used to identify at-risk individuals and help staff give timely and relevant support for students experiencing academic, health or personal challenges.
Tutors can also see how students are engaging with their studies, helping them to identify areas of under-performance.
The learning analytics service has been designed in partnership with universities and colleges in the UK and overseas. Jisc plans to continue this collaboration with users to make sure the service meets their changing needs.
A code of practice has been developed in partnership with the NUS to help institutions plan and implement analytics work – and the human interactions that result. This addresses any ethical concerns about capturing data for this purpose, by making sure that these activities take place with the informed consent and cooperation of students.
After collection, the information is transferred to Jisc’s learning data hub, a cloud-based solution for making sense of the patterns in student records and data. This is hosted on secure, resilient servers in the UK and EU, which will help colleges and universities to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The service can provide anonymised insights across region or nation, offering potential to be used in policy and planning. Under the HEFCW-funded Learning Analytics Cymru project, Wales is the first nation where all HE providers have signed up to the service; further insights will be derived at national level to help maintain and grow Wales’ strong reputation, giving it a further edge over other nations.
Dozens of institutions and individuals have given their time and expertise over the past three years to develop a service that is already making a difference to students, staff and their institutions, and we are grateful for their contribution.
Paul Feldman, Chief Executive, Jisc
About Jisc: A not-for-profit providing the UK’s national research and education network, Janet, and technology solutions for its members – colleges, universities and research centres. It is funded by the UK higher and further education and research funding bodies and member institutions.
Jisc does three main things for its members:
- Operates and develops the ultra-fast and secure Janet Network and its built-in cyber security protection.
- Helps save time and money by negotiating sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers
- Provides trusted advice and practical assistance on digital technology.
Jisc’s vision is for the UK to be the most digitally advanced education and research nation in the world.
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