Adam Cooper has released another in the CETIS Learning Analytics series. Vol 1, No 5.
What is Analytics? Definition and Essential Characteristics
It neatly focusses on the practical application of Analytics which it describes as:
“…the process of developing actionable insights through problem definition and the application of statistical models and analysis against existing and/or simulated future data.”
It’s interesting to review some of the projects working in the JISC #coursedata programme in the light of this, and ponder on the value of the data and the analysis.
The Skills Dashboard looks at the aggregated xcri-cap course information available from the #coursedata projects and allows the user to determine whether a market may exist for new courses. The sample dashboard is certainly compelling, but how comprehensive does the aggregated data have to be before valid “actionable insights” result.
