Big Data Analytics in Education: Promises & Pitfalls

Analytics for instructional applications are in their infancy and will take a few years to mature. However, their applicability and effectiveness are already being felt. Learning analytics has a potential to be integrated into administrative and instructional functions.<br><br>Higher education is operating in increasingly complex and competitive environment (Daniel, 2014). Universities now had to respond to constantly changing national and global economic trends. In almost all countries funding from government and businesses for higher education is decreasing at the same time demands for transparency and regulatory compliance is increasing (Hazelkorn, 2007), In some countries like United states admission rates are declining due to fewer high school graduates, but at the same time operational costs are increasing (Thronton, 2013). Big data also has implications in how higher education responds changes in global environment. Ability to respond to these changes with the help of objective data from varied sources can be helpful in battling these challenges (Clarke, Nelson & Stoodley, 2013).<br><br>Purpose of this panel is to explore the application of Big Data and Learning Analytics in the field of higher education as it can remove uncertainty around resource allocation, development of competitive advantages, and improving the learning experience.<br><br>This panel discussion will engage the attendees in an interactive dialogue and will present:<br><br>* The current state of use of big data analytics in higher education<br><br>* Challenges and opportunities