Technology and New Pedagogical Practices

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 - 14:00 to 16:00
Iontas Seminar Room, First floor

Seminar Abstract:  'Learning Analytics: Using Data to Enhance Student Success'
 
All of our institutions are awash with data. While much of this is collected incidentally, such as the metadata behind Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), we know that it can serve institutions, staff who teach and their students as an invaluable, and frequently underused, resource. Although it may be considered a fledgling area, Learning Analytics research has shown that learner data can be used as an evidence base for proactively identifying students at risk of underperforming, for recommending services and courses of action that can enhance students’ learning experience and for targeting support resources to students with the greatest need. This seminar will attempt to provide staff with an answer to the question 'I know we have all this data, but what can we do with it?'
 
About our speaker
 
Lee O'Farrell is Coordinator of the National Forum for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education's Data-Enabled Student Success Initiative (DESSI). Having co-ordinated the development of ORLA (Online Resource for Learning Analytics), the National Forum’s open access, online library of learning analytics resources, he currently works with 19 institutions around Ireland, providing support as they explore how to maximise the value of their data as a resource for giving students a successful and enjoyable experience in Higher Education. Lee is on secondment from UCD Registry where he has worked since 2001, most recently as Student Record Manager.
 
The Seminar format is as follows:
 
• 40 minutes seminar presentation
• 10 minutes for participant questions
• 30 Minutes panel discussion:

  • Dr John Keating - Department of Computer Science
  • Dr Aphra Kerr - Department of Sociology
  • Ian Russell - Student Engagement Office
  • Rose Donovan - Academic Advisory Office
  • Fiona Morley - Library

 Seminar Organisers: Lisa O’Regan, Dr Morag Munro (Centre for Teaching and Learning), Aine Carey (Library)