Theory Informing and Arising from Learning Analytics

The purpose of this book is to offer new vision on the role of theory in empirical research within the field of learning analytics. It serves as a reference book for new and established researchers seeking to engage in the green fields space of learning analytics. It also generates debate amongst long-standing members of the field in regards to epistemological positioning, and in particular challenges proponents of the pragmatic position that method should have primacy in research. An undercurrent running throughout the book is the assertion that with theory use comes the ability to explain what is observed in our empirical work, and in particular the patterns and counter-patterns seen in much learning analytics work.