Reconsidering Data in Learning Analytics: Opportunities for Critical Research Using a Documentation Studies Framework

Learning, Media and Technology. doi: 10.1080/17439884.2018.1556216

20 Pages Posted: 28 Dec 2018 Last revised: 13 Sep 2019

See all articles by Kyle M. L. Jones

Kyle M. L. Jones

Indiana University-Indianapolis (IUPUI)

Chase McCoy

Indiana University Bloomington

Date Written: 2018

Abstract

In this article, we argue that the contributions of documentation studies can provide a useful framework for analyzing the datafication of students due to emerging learning analytics practices. Specifically, the concepts of individuals being “made into” data and how that data is “considered as” can help to frame vital questions concerning the use of student data in learning analytics. More specifically, approaches informed by documentation studies will enable researchers to address the sociotechnical processes underlying how students are constructed into data, and ways data about students are considered and understood. We draw on these concepts to identify and describe three areas for future research in LA. With the description of each area, we provide a brief analysis of current practices in American higher education, highlighting how documentation studies enables deeper analytical digging.

Keywords: Learning analytics, educational data mining, documentation studies, critical data studies

Suggested Citation

Jones, Kyle and McCoy, Chase, Reconsidering Data in Learning Analytics: Opportunities for Critical Research Using a Documentation Studies Framework (2018). Learning, Media and Technology. doi: 10.1080/17439884.2018.1556216, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3300317

Kyle Jones (Contact Author)

Indiana University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) ( email )

535 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3103
United States

HOME PAGE: http://thecorkboard.org

Chase McCoy

Indiana University Bloomington

100 South Indiana Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47405
United States

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