Allison Littlejohn

Professional Learning Analytics 

Abstract: Learning for work takes various forms, from formal training to informal or non-formal learning through work activities. In many work settings, professionals collaborate via networked environments leaving various forms of digital traces, sometimes termed “clickstream” data. These data can be exploited through learning analytics (LA) to make both formal and informal learning processes traceable and visible to support professionals with their learning. This keynote examines different forms of professional learning analytics, exploring whether and how data analyses support professionals as they learn. Learning Analytics can address affective and motivational learning issues as well as technical and practical expertise; Data can be used by Artificial Intelligence systems to ‘intelligently’ align individual learning activities with organizational learning goals, providing a foundation for future learning and work. However, these systems can inherit biases and problem systemic within society. During this keynote I will illustrate examples of analytics in action in professional settings, drawing out some of the advantages, while questioning problems associated with their use. I will examine the work of computer scientists who are working with learning scientists to develop methodologies that support the design and development of improved analytics systems that support professional learning.

Bio: Allison Littlejohn is the Director of the UCL Knowledge Lab at University College London. She is a learning scientist, specialising in professional and digital learning. Her expertise is in applying educational theory and evidence to developing and evaluating complex interventions for professional learning which capitalise on the use of digital technologies. Her work has made contributions to the understanding of how people learn for work in diverse contexts and cultures across the Energy, Finance, Health, Education and International Development sectors.

Professor Littlejohn has been awarded over 40 research grants funded by organisations including the Economic & Social Research Council, The European Commission, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Energy Institute, British Petroleum, the Higher Education Academy, Jisc, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Scottish Funding Council. Her research focuses on the role of professional learning in resolving global challenges and has been published as six books and over 200 articles.