Analytics of what? Negotiating the seduction of big data and learning analytics

In this chapter we focus specifically on the development and impact of the emerging field of learning analytics – the analysis of student-based data to improve learning and learning environments – and discuss how it, and big data, can be used to address educational problems. We consider the current state of play in learning analytics research and development and examine why big data and learning analytics are seductive. This is followed by a consideration of some of the main challenges facing institutions in harnessing big data and implementing learning analytics and the recommendation that the key focus needs to be on learning. We conclude by suggesting that while big data and analytics have come a fair distance in a short period of time, they still have a way to go. Refocussing research, development and policy on how big data and learning analytics can be used to genuinely support productive student learning processes is one way of negotiating the path ahead.