Fusch, D. and Jones, J. (2012) Vetting Early Alert Technologies, Academic Impressions, January 20
Daniel Fusch of Academic Impressions interviewed Jennifer Jones of Minnesota State University about what to look for when deciding on software to identify students at risk.
This is an excellent article that identifies key questions to ask before investing in learning analytics software. Indeed, similar questions should be asked about any intended use of learning analytics. Just one of many astute observations by Jennifer Jones:
‘The biggest mistake institutions make is to just buy the program without doing an assessment of their current landscape and goals related to retention and early alert.’
Dr. Tony Bates is the author of eleven books in the field of online learning and distance education. He has provided consulting services specializing in training in the planning and management of online learning and distance education, working with over 40 organizations in 25 countries. Tony is a Research Associate with Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education & Training Network.
[…] Tony Bates refers to a recent paper by Academic Impressions’ Daniel Fuchs on identifying students at high risk of drop-out or failure. Vetting Early Alert Technologies includes advice from Jennifer Jones of Minnesota State University about what to look for when introducing a software solution. There is also a link to a second paper, Identifying At-Risk Students: What Data Are You Looking At? which considers effective use of the data once you have your system in place. […]