Back to Annotation Database

The Evolution of Big Data and Learning Analytics in American Higher Education

A.G. Picciano

Abstract

Data-driven decision making, popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, is evolving into a vastly more sophisticated concept known as big data that relies on software approaches generally referred to as analytics. Big data and analytics for instructional applications are in their infancy and will take a few years to mature, although their presence is already being felt and should not be ignored. While big data and analytics are not panaceas for addressing all of the issues and decisions faced by higher education administrators, they can become part of the solutions integrated into administrative and instructional functions. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolving world of big data and analytics in American higher education. Specifically, it will look at the nature of these concepts, provide basic definitions, consider possible applications, and last but not least, identify concerns about their implementation and growth.

Keywords

Data-driven decision making, Big data, Learning analytics, Higher education, Rational decision making, Planning

Annotation

This article explores how higher education is able to incorporate big data into policy and decision making and the implications of using big data for these purposes. The authors are careful to note that big data should inform decision making and not to strictly replace the knowledge and experience of qualified professionals and educators.

One main benefit of using big data is instructions are able to use live and real-time statistics in their decision-making process instead of delayed statistics. However, as of the time of this article, not enough scientists are trained to analyze and incorporate big data into their studies. Also, as it relates to online courses, there may be a bias effect happening as to what kind of student is taking online courses compared to traditional classroom-based students. As such, big data has greater benefits for online students compared to traditional classroom students.

Copy to Clipboard

About the Study

Back to Annotation Database