Potential impacts of the use of data analytics to improve the student experience

Abstract

Student experience and learning analytics have been growing areas of interest for higher education practice and debate. Yet, little research has focused on the intersection of these topics: the use of analytics to improve the student experience. In order to support further investigation in this area, this study adopted an exploratory design research approach to identify potential benefits and concerns related to the use of analytics to enhance student experience in higher education. To achieve this, a prototype was designed and evaluated based on tests and discussions with academics and student representatives from nine Scottish universities. These exploratory results suggest four main potential benefits and nine possible problems and issues. A theoretical and critical analysis offers additional interpretation of the possible implications of these potential impacts. Important areas for future research are suggested.