Learning Analytics in Higher Education: An Annotated Bibliography

The purpose of this study was to develop an analytics maturity model through which institutions can assess their own progress in the use of academic and learning analytics. More than half of the institutions surveyed are actively engaging in activities that meet the definition of data analytics in the areas of enrollment, retention, institutional resource optimization, and financial management. However, most institutions are below level four on the five-point maturity index. Although top leadership shows significant interest in analytics adequate funding is a barrier. Most institutions also scored low on the maturity index for data analytics tools, reporting, and most importantly, according to the author, expertise. However, the study found that institutional leaders who view analytics as an investment in institutional capability are making greater progress with their analytics projects and they are more likely to use data proactively to drive specific interventions or other actions. Based on the findings, the author recommends establishing the value of data-based decision making through planning several small winning projects or a single large one in the areas of enrollment management, cost reduction, or resource optimization. Foremost is the development of analytics capabilities aligned with organizational strategy.