Theory Informing and Arising from Learning Analytics

Theory Informing and Arising from Learning Analytics delves into the dynamic intersection of learning theory and educational data analysis within the field of Learning Analytics (LA). This groundbreaking book illuminates how theoretical insights can revolutionize data interpretation, reshape research methodologies, and expand the horizons of human learning and educational theory. Organized into three distinct sections, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the role of theory in LA, features contributions from leading scholars who apply diverse theoretical frameworks to their research, and explores cutting-edge topics where new theories are emerging. A standout feature is the inclusion of three “in conversation” chapters, where expert panels dive into the topics of ethics, self-regulated learning, and qualitative computation, enriched by accompanying podcasts that provide fresh, thought-provoking perspectives. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers, sparking debates on the evolving role of theory in LA and challenging conventional epistemological views. Published by Springer, it is an essential read for both aspiring and seasoned scholars eager to engage with the forefront of LA research.

Kathryn Bartimote is Senior Lecturer in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work at The University of Sydney. She supervises research students in educational psychology and assessment. Kath serves as the Chair of the Research Committee for the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment and holds leadership roles on two of the University's Human Research Ethics Committees. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR). Previously, Kath was Head of Quality and Analytics at the University of Sydney, where she led initiatives in quality evaluation, analytics, and data governance. Her research explores key topics such as motivation and choice, epistemic beliefs, student success, and the integration of theory in learning analytics.

Sarah K. Howard is Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Wollongong where she is the Head of Research. Sarah is also Group Lead for the Smarter Schools and Digital Technologies group within the SMART Infrastructure Facility at the University. Her research focuses on the use of new technologies and data science to explore classroom practice and teacher change related to technological innovation and integration. Specifically, in her work, Sarah looks at cultural and individual factors of teachers’ digital technology use, change process and learning design related to subject areas, school culture and underlying principles of teaching and learning. 

Dragan Gašević is Distinguished Professor of Learning Analytics and Director of Research in the Department of Human Centred Computing of the Faculty of Information Technology and the Director of the Centre for Learning Analytics at Monash University. Dragan’s research interests center around data analytic, AI, and design methods that can advance understanding of self-regulated and collaborative learning.  He is a founder and served as the President (2015-2017) of the Society for Learning Analytics Research. He has also held several honorary appointments in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.  He is a recipient of the Life-time Member Award (2022) as the highest distinction of the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR) and a Distinguished Member (2022) of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). In 2019-2023, he was recognized as the national field leader in educational technology in The Australian’s Research Magazine that is published annually. He led the EU-funded SHEILA project that received the Best Research Project of the Year Award (2019) from the Association for Learning Technology.