- Campus:
- IU East
What professional development activity will/did you complete with the help of the IUWIT grant?
In March 2023, the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR) marked the 13th anniversary of the LAK conferences. SoLAR is a global network comprising esteemed researchers from various disciplines who are dedicated to investigating the role and impact of analytics on education, training, and development.
Thanks to the IUWIT grant, I had the opportunity to participate in three online pre-conference workshops. These workshops included Human-Centered Learning Analytics (HCLA): Towards Trustworthy Learning Analytics; Subversive Learning Analytics: Imagining LA Futures to Support Equitable Educational Practices; and Data Storytelling in Learning Analytics.
How was that activity important/beneficial to your professional development?
Learning Analytics (LA) has emerged as a prominent field within educational technology, attracting increasing attention from researchers and practitioners. Over the past three years, I have been approached by some faculty members seeking guidance on the utilization of available LA tools such as Canvas analytics, Kaltura analytics, eText analytics, and more, to enhance student success. As a senior instructional technology consultant with a PhD in educational technology and a minor in information science, I strongly believe in the importance of staying informed about the current trends and innovative practices in LA. This commitment allows me to provide enhanced support to our IU faculty and administrators.
Participating in the online LA workshops provided me with valuable opportunities to expand my knowledge, explore new ideas, and engage in discussions with fellow attendees. These workshops delved into topics such as the development of reliable and trustworthy LA systems that enhance the capabilities of educational stakeholders, leveraging LA to support equitable educational practices, creating and sharing compelling LA narratives, and cultivating critical thinking skills in data storytelling within the context of LA.
What was the most valuable take-away from your experience with that activity that you can share with us?
Incorporating students' perspectives into the design of student-facing LA systems, as well as LA systems in general, is of utmost importance. Research has shown that students often perceive LA as "Surveillance Analytics" (Pardo, 2014) or "Blackbox Analytics" (Kitto, 2017), perceiving it as something imposed upon them rather than something designed collaboratively with them or for their benefit (West, 2020; Ochoa, 2021). Such perceptions can lead to mistrust among students and hinder the widespread adoption of LA, thereby limiting its potential impact.
To address this issue, it was recommended to employ both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather students' voices and perspectives during the design of LA systems/tools and interpretation of available learning analytics. Methods such as surveys, participatory design, or a human-centered approach can be utilized. It is essential to recognize that LA provides only a partial view of student learning and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information. Actively engaging with students through direct conversations and seeking their feedback is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of their learning experiences. This valuable input can inform the design of effective teaching interventions, integrating LA insights with student feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
What did you want to be as a child, and how has that journey led you to where you are today?
It's pretty amazing how the influence of my family shaped my career aspirations. My grandpa, being the trailblazer in our family, was the first one to graduate from college. He went on to become a faculty member and even held the prestigious position of Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at a college in our hometown. And guess what? Both my mom and my aunt-in-law followed in his footsteps and became teachers at an elementary school. Growing up, seeing their dedication to education had a profound impact on me.
Now, fast forward to my almost 20 years of experience in designing and developing training programs. I've had the opportunity to work with university faculty, diplomats, and employees from various industries and non-profit organizations. It's been an incredible journey, and along the way, I've developed a real passion for the professional development of human capital.
Through my experiences, I've discovered my true career goal: helping instructors reimagine their teaching practices by harnessing the power of innovative instructional technologies. It's a way for me to make a meaningful impact on students' online learning experiences indirectly, by working closely with instructors and guiding them in creating engaging and effective learning environments. And knowing that my work can make a difference in the lives of students is what makes it all so fulfilling and valuable to me.
Do you have any advice as a woman in a leadership role?
Embrace your confidence and authenticity. Throughout my journey of attending various workshops on women's professional development, I've gained valuable insights into a prevalent phenomenon known as impostor syndrome, which tends to affect women way more than men in the workplace. It's all too common for us to doubt ourselves and question whether we truly deserve the achievements and opportunities we have.
However, I've been fortunate enough to encounter a handful of remarkable female role models who have inspired and empowered me. They have reminded me of my unique strengths and talents, affirming that I am exceptional at what I do. Their support has played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence and helping me overcome the barriers imposed by impostor syndrome.
Believe in yourself, acknowledge your capabilities, and never underestimate the value you bring to the table. Together, we can conquer impostor syndrome and forge a path of success and fulfillment in our professional endeavors.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I absolutely love hiking through lush trails, conjuring up delicious dishes in the kitchen, nurturing my green thumb in the garden, and embarking on exciting adventures with my adventure-loving 9-year-old boy, Isaac. We've been on quite the journey over the past year, exploring incredible destinations like San Diego, Seattle, Myrtle Beach, and St. Louis. But guess what? Our adventure isn't over yet! We've got even more excitement ahead as we set our sights on Anaheim, CA, and Washington DC this year.
Life is a grand adventure, and with Isaac by my side, every step is filled with laughter, discovery, and endless possibilities.