Learning Analytics: From Big Data to Meaningful Data

This article introduces the special issue from the 2015 Learning Analytics and Knowledge conference. We describe the current state of the field , and identify some of the trends in recent research. As the field continues to expand , it seems that there are at least three directions of vigorous growth: the inclusion of multimodal data (gesture, eye-tracking, biosensors, etc.), the diversification of learning environments ( MOOCs, classrooms, and hands-on learning environments.), and new types of research questions as researchers begin to consider a broader set of learning-related constructs (moving away, for example, from the focus on student retention.)