Examination of instructors' experiences for the use of learning analytics

Abstract

PurposeLearning analytics enable learning to be reorganized through collecting, analyzing and reporting the stored data in online learning environment. One of the important agents of education process is the instructors. How the use of learning analytics within education process is evaluated by the instructors is important. The purpose of this study is to determine the experiences of instructors in relation to the use of learning analytics.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, data were collected from instructors through interviews to determine the reflections of learning analytics on the education process. While qualitative study method was adopted, phenomenological design was used.FindingsAs a result of analysis of findings, it was concluded that the use of learning analytics in the education process was beneficial. It was established that learning analytics were helpful in the self-assessment of instructors' performances, making early intervention to risky students and creating a lesson plan.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was carried out in a foreign language course and with five academicians during one semester.Practical implicationsThis study aims to reveal the experiences of the instructors on the use of learning analytics and present scientific findings on a subject on which a limited number of studies have been conducted. With the start of learning analytics' use in the educational process, some concerns have been raised. This study tries to respond to the various concerns of instructors who intend to use learning analytics in the process.Originality/valueThe use of learning analytics is gradually increasing. In the studies conducted, it is seen that the studies have focused on the effect of learning analytics on the learning outputs of students. It is important to determine how instructors, who are the other important elements of the process, make use of learning analytics and how their experiences regarding the use of learning analytics are. The focal point of this study is to reveal the impact of learning analytics on the education process from the perspective of instructors.