Title:	EXPLORING THE ROLE OF DATA ANALYTICS IN ENHANCING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Author(s):	Imaan Faker and Mmaki Jantjies
ISBN:	978-989-8704-24-5
Editors:	Hans Weghorn
Year:	2020
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	Data Analytics, Learning Analytics, Academic Analytics, Higher Education, Student Experience, South Africa
Type:	Full
First Page:	105
Last Page:	111
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	Challenges around ensuring the quality and relevance of higher education institution's (HEI's) will persist globally in the years to come. This is of particular concern in South Africa where HEI graduation rates are still considered low. With the vast amount of data that is being generated by organisations, HEIs are increasingly required to utilize data analytic techniques to improve student experience. Data analytics is about creating valuable meaning out of large and complex datasets. Students generate large amounts of data by accessing information, student support and development as well as other social experiences on campus. This data can ethically be used to improve student experiences. This study explores the necessity of academic and social experience data in being able to enhance students' higher education experiences at a South African university. This quantitative research paper forms part of a long-term study exploring how data analytics can be used to improve student administration to enhance the overall student experience at an HEI in South Africa. Using an online self-administered questionnaire, data was gathered from a small sample of students as part of a pilot study at an HEI to understand the student experiences and use of data at the university. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results suggest that the use of data analytics is still in its early stages in using such data to gain valuable insights in improving student experiences. This exploratory research further provided an understanding into the student administrative issues that exist and provides a basis for further conversations around what the expectations should be when introducing data analytic technologies are within higher education.
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