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The complexities of developing a personal code of ethics for learning analytics practitioners: implications for institutions and the field

Published: 07 March 2018 Publication History

Abstract

In this paper we explore the potential role, value and utility of a personal code of ethics (COE) for learning analytics practitioners, and in particular we consider whether such a COE might usefully mediate individual actions and choices in relation to a more abstract institutional COE. While several institutional COEs now exist, little attention has been paid to detailing the ethical responsibilities of individual practitioners. To investigate the problems associated with developing and implementing a personal COE, we drafted an LA Practitioner COE based on other professional codes, and invited feedback from a range of learning analytics stakeholders and practitioners: ethicists, students, researchers and technology executives. Three main themes emerged from their reflections: 1. A need to balance real world demands with abstract principles, 2. The limits to individual accountability within the learning analytics space, and 3. The continuing value of debate around an aspirational code of ethics within the field of learning analytics.

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  • (2023)Aktuelle Erkenntnisse aus der Literatur zu Data Mining und Learning Analytics im BildungsbereichEducational Data Mining und Learning Analytics10.1007/978-3-658-39607-7_1(1-39)Online publication date: 10-Jun-2023
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    cover image ACM Other conferences
    LAK '18: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge
    March 2018
    489 pages
    ISBN:9781450364003
    DOI:10.1145/3170358
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    Published: 07 March 2018

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    Author Tags

    1. code of ethics
    2. professional responsibility
    3. professionalization

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    LAK '18
    LAK '18: International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge
    March 7 - 9, 2018
    New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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    LAK '18 Paper Acceptance Rate 35 of 115 submissions, 30%;
    Overall Acceptance Rate 236 of 782 submissions, 30%

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    • (2023)Aktuelle Erkenntnisse aus der Literatur zu Data Mining und Learning Analytics im BildungsbereichEducational Data Mining und Learning Analytics10.1007/978-3-658-39607-7_1(1-39)Online publication date: 10-Jun-2023
    • (2022)Past, present, and future directions of learning analytics research for students with disabilitiesJournal of Research on Technology in Education10.1080/15391523.2022.206779655:6(931-946)Online publication date: 9-May-2022
    • (2021)For Learning Analytics to Be Sustainable under GDPR—Consequences and Way ForwardSustainability10.3390/su13201152413:20(11524)Online publication date: 18-Oct-2021
    • (2021)Learning Analytics as a Service for Empowered LearnersLAK21: 11th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference10.1145/3448139.3448186(475-481)Online publication date: 12-Apr-2021
    • (2021)Ethical issues in learning analytics: a review of the fieldEducational Technology Research and Development10.1007/s11423-021-09977-4Online publication date: 5-Mar-2021
    • (2021)Big Data, Analytics and Education: Challenges, Opportunities and an Example from a Large University UnitBig Data in Education: Pedagogy and Research10.1007/978-3-030-76841-6_5(103-124)Online publication date: 5-Oct-2021
    • (2019)Learning AnalyticsProceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality10.1145/3362789.3362943(248-252)Online publication date: 16-Oct-2019
    • (2019)Towards Value-Sensitive Learning Analytics DesignProceedings of the 9th International Conference on Learning Analytics & Knowledge10.1145/3303772.3303798(343-352)Online publication date: 4-Mar-2019
    • (2019)Learning Analytics Challenges to Overcome in Higher Education InstitutionsUtilizing Learning Analytics to Support Study Success10.1007/978-3-319-64792-0_6(91-104)Online publication date: 18-Jan-2019

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