Implementing learning analytics in higher education: the case of Asia

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on the implementation of learning analytics in tertiary institutions in Asia. It first reviews the literature reporting learning analytics practices in Asian countries/regions, which shows that learning analytics is in its initial stage of development. Relevant practices are conducted in only a small number of countries/regions and education institutions, but they cover a broad range of learning modes, platforms and approaches to analysis. A total of eight senior academics and administrators from various tertiary institutions in Asia were interviewed to understand the institutions' positions on learning analytics, the progress on implementation, and the opportunities and challenges raised. The results showed that the learning analytics implementation aimed mainly at reducing students' dropout rates and enhancing their learning experiences. Its success relied heavily on senior management support and paying attention to students' comments, while issues such as the teachers' extra workload, students' data privacy, and technical problems were the major challenges. Based on the results, future research directions in learning analytics in Asia are discussed.