PD23-6: Foundations of Learning Analytics With RStudio

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

Learning Analytics, as a computational research methodology, increases the capacity to understand and improve STEM learning and learning environments through the use of new sources of data and powerful analytical approaches. Learning Analytics is a relatively new, rapidly growing field with significant potential to improve digital learning environments. To address the need for trained researchers on a much broader scale, instructors will focus on Learning Analytics foundations and Text Mining with a STEM education focus. Topics broadly emphasize methodologies, literature, applications, and ethical issues as they relate to STEM education. Participants develop basic proficiency with R and RStudio, apply computational analysis techniques (e.g. data visualization, text mining) relevant and appropriate to their STEM education research interests. The target audience includes those who aim to leverage new data sources and apply computational methods in R Studio following the Learning Analytics workflow. The level of instruction will be appropriate for those with little or no experience using R, a popular free open source software program for data science, research, and technical communication. The first part of the course lays the foundations of Learning Analytics and R programming basics. The second part uses that base to dive into Text Mining techniques (e.g. word counts, sentiment analysis) in a STEM education context. Course activities include conceptual overviews, code-alongs, blended-learning labs, small group discussions, and individual consultations. Knowledge of basic descriptive and exploratory analysis is assumed. Participants are required to bring a laptop computer with R and Rstudio downloaded.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Director

• Shaun B. Kellogg, North Carolina State University

Instructors

• Shiyan Jiang, North Carolina State University

• Jennifer K. Houchins, WestEd

• Cansu Tatar, North Carolina State University

• Jeanne M. McClure, North Carolina State University