Current state and future trends: a citation network analysis of the learning analytics field

Shane Dawson, Dragan Gašević, George Siemens, Srecko Joksimovic

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperResearchpeer-review

180 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper provides an evaluation of the current state of the field of learning analytics through analysis of articles and citations occurring in the LAK conferences and identified special issue journals. The emerging field of learning analytics is at the intersection of numerous academic disciplines, and therefore draws on a diversity of methodologies, theories and underpinning scientific assumptions. Through citation analysis and structured mapping we aimed to identify the emergence of trends and disciplinary hierarchies that are influencing the development of the field to date. The results suggest that there is some fragmentation in the major disciplines (computer science and education) regarding conference and journal representation. The analyses also indicate that the commonly cited papers are of a more conceptual nature than empirical research reflecting the need for authors to define the learning analytics space. An evaluation of the current state of learning analytics provides numerous benefits for the development of the field, such as a guide for under-represented areas of research and to identify the disciplines that may require more strategic and targeted support and funding opportunities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLAK 2014
Subtitle of host publication4th International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge
EditorsStephanie Teasley, Abelardo Pardo
Place of PublicationNew York NY USA
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Pages231-240
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781595930361, 9781450326643
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Learning Analytics & Knowledge Conference 2014 - Indianapolis, United States of America
Duration: 24 Mar 201428 Mar 2014
Conference number: 4th
https://lak14indy.wordpress.com/

Conference

ConferenceInternational Learning Analytics & Knowledge Conference 2014
Abbreviated titleLAK 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States of America
CityIndianapolis
Period24/03/1428/03/14
Internet address

Keywords

  • Author networks
  • Citation analysis
  • Learning analytics
  • Social network analysis

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