Learning Analytics
Learning Analytics is the collection and analyses of different types of data relating to student engagement and attainment, with the aim of better understanding and improving the student experience. The University employs a range of educational technologies with embedded analytics. Providing a centralised source of this information can help to inform students and staff about any changes in behavioural engagement and help with meaningful discussions as part of personal tutoring and/or to signpost students to wellbeing or study skills support.
Our approach
Using learning analytics to support students is one of the Priority Actions in the University's Education Strategy.
Any use of learning analytics at the University should benefit students. Any learning analytics software, including those that utilises students' data and their online activities will be used in line with the University's commitment to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Student data and wellbeing privacy notices.
Newcastle University's Policy on the Ethical use of Student Data for Learning Analytics addresses the scope and objectives of learning analytics.
Students’ engagement in their learning is essential for them to excel and achieve their objectives. Teaching staff can view students’ engagement data from technologies such as Canvas to derive insights that may inform them if there are any changes in student engagement behaviours.
Students’ academic attainment over time can be viewed, providing staff with an indication of a student’s overall performance, highlighting if any additional academic support is required.
Effective use of analytics at Newcastle University aims to support student wellbeing by helping students to make informed decisions about their learning, and supporting staff to identify any changes in engagement, which may highlight any wellbeing concerns.
You can use learning analytics to support student learning. For example, knowing how many students viewed specific content could inform your instructional design, class discussions, assessments and future course development. Learning analytics can also inform supervision and discussions between personal tutors and tutees.
Additionally, Jisc's learning analytics tool, Data Explorer, will be coming soon to Newcastle University. The tool could be used to help inform, support, and improve teaching and learning practices.
The approved Policy on the Ethical use of Student Data for Learning Analytics includes data in scope and out of the scope for the use of learning analytics at the University.
- Personal Tutors can use the data to support tutoring conversations.
- Academic staff (Teachers and Teaching Assistants) can use learning analytics in their instructional design.
- Functional groups such as course teams who seek to improve current courses or develop new curriculum offerings.
- Directors and Administrators who support teaching and learning.
- Students can view their engagement and attainment data, providing them with a more personalised learning experience.