UNITING KNOWLEDGE & PROGRESS: REDEFINING EDUCATION WITH DATA ANALYTICS

The integration of learning analytics into education offers a transformative approach to enhancing student outcomes.

- DR SANKU BOSE

From personalising learning experiences to identifying gaps in teaching methodologies, learning analytics is emerging as a powerful enabler. Predictive analytics and real-time feedback loops can become essential pillars in ensuring a holistic education system across primary, secondary and tertiary levels. For India, a country with over 270 million school-age children and one of the largest higher education systems globally, the stakes—and the opportunities— are enormous.

When we talk about predictive analytics, we seem to be blind sighted since many of us traditionally believe that such tools are exclusively used in business scenarios from marketing to the stock markets. Yet, this new tool of the digital age can make profound contributions to understanding how our students are faring. Predictive analytics plays a pivotal role in identifying learner needs by analysing historical and real-time data to forecast future performance and potential challenges. For instance, early alert systems implemented in higher education institutions globally have proven effective in identifying at-risk students and enabling timely interventions. This approach significantly reduces dropout rates and fosters an environment where every learner receives the support they need to succeed. This holds true not only for tertiary education but also for analysing trends across primary and secondary education.

Similarly, real-time feedback loops revolutionise traditional education by providing immediate insights into student performance. This continuous feedback enables students to adjust their learning strategies and empowers teachers to tailor instruction dynamically. Research from across the globe indicates that personalised feedback through learning analytics enhances student engagement and academic success, particularly in large classroom settings where individualised attention is challenging to achieve.