The synergistic and dynamic relationship between learning design and learning analytics

Concise paper

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Dirk Ifenthaler
University of Mannheim
@ifenthaler

David Gibson
Curtin University
@davidgibson

Eva Dobozy
Curtin University
@edobozy27

Catch this session

Tuesday 5 December, 11.20am – 11.40am
Stream 3
Room L206

Abstract

The synergistic relationship between learning design and learning analytics has the potential for improving learning and teaching in near real-time. The potential for integrating the newly available and dynamic information from ongoing analysis into learning design requires new perspectives on learning and teaching data processing and analysis as well as advanced theories, methods, and tools for supporting dynamic learning design processes. Three perspectives of learning analytics design provide summative, real-time, and predictive insights. In a case study with 3,550 users, the navigation sequence and network graph analysis demonstrate the potential of learning analytics design. The study aims to demonstrate how the analysis of navigation patterns and network graph analysis could inform the learning design of self-guided digital learning experiences. Even with open-ended freedom, only 608 sequences were evidenced by learners out of a potential number of hundreds of millions of sequences. Advancements of learning analytics design have the potential for mapping the cognitive, social and even physical states of the learner and optimise their learning environment on the fly.

About the authors

Dirk Ifenthaler

Dirk Ifenthaler is Professor and Chair of Learning, Design and Technology at University of Mannheim. His research focuses on the intersection of cognitive psychology, educational technology, data analytics, and organisational learning. Dirk’s research outcomes include numerous co-authored books, book series, book chapters, journal articles, and international conference papers, as well as successful grant funding in Australia, Germany, and USA. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Springer journal Technology, Knowledge and Learning (www.ifenthaler.info).

David Gibson

Professor David Gibson, Director of Learning Futures at Curtin University in Australia and UNESCO Chair of Data Science in Higher Education Learning and Teaching, received his doctorate (Ed.D. Leadership and Policy Studies) from the University of Vermont in 1999 based on a study of complex systems modeling of educational change. His foundational research demonstrated the feasibility of bridging from qualitative information to quantifiable dynamic relationships in complex models that verify trajectories of organizational change. He provides thought leadership as a researcher, professor, learning scientist and innovator. He is creator of simSchool, a classroom flight simulator for preparing educators, and eFolio an online performance-based assessment system, and provides vision and sponsorship for Curtin University’s Challenge, a mobile, game-based learning platform. He consults with project and system leaders, formulates strategies, and helps people articulate their vision for innovation; then helps connect people with the resources needed to fulfill their aspirations. His research has extended from learning analytics, complex systems analysis and modeling of education to application of complexity via games and simulations in teacher education, web applications and the future of learning. Dr. Gibson has also advanced the use of technology to personalize education via cognitive modeling, design and implementation.

Eva Dobozy

Associate Professor Eva Dobozy is Deputy Dean, Learning and Teaching in the Curtin Business School. She is engaged in Learning Design research, investigating the efficacy of traditional and new technology-enhanced learning and teaching offerings. Dr Dobozy is involved in the discovery, integration, application and testing of new learning design models and frameworks. Currently, she is working as part of a learning design group on the design and implementation of transdisciplinary pedagogical templates. Her research spans the intersection between learning theory, learning design, technology-enhanced learning and teacher professional development. She is the winner of a number of prestigious research and teaching awards. Her current research focuses on sustainable futures in higher education and the pedagogical modelling of novel course designs and quality assurance practices.