Educational Research & Policy

Job Description:

Learning analytics refers to the collection and analysis of data about learners and their environments for the purpose of understanding and improving learning outcomes.

Learning analytics is where big data meets traditional quantitative methods in education. Governments, universities, testing organizations, and massive open online course providers are collecting data about learners and how they learn. All that data, however, has been mostly untapped until the fairly recent development of the methods and tools to do so.

Educational data analysts are responsible for analyzing large-scale data sets, leading efforts into the effectiveness of the product using big data and quasi-experimental methodology, and using data insights to inform design teams as they execute new products. They also need to use data to define typical user characteristics.   

Roles:

Educational data analysts are familiar with evidence-centered design methodology and have excellent data communication skills. They focus on the translation of data into expert recommendations that help share the company's assessment of student learning, pipeline, production, business development, marketing, and other efforts. 

Job Description:

Educational researchers are responsible for conducting education-based research by asking the right questions, leveraging the right technology, and reporting on meaningful findings. They use organized, scientific, and methodical ways to collect and analyze data. Educational researchers also need to know about educational assessments, evaluations, and qualitative and quantitative methods. They learn to plan, design, and implement statistical data projects. 

Roles:

Educational researchers work with academic teams that facilitate educational research and discovery by providing design expertise and measurement tools. They recommend and incorporate existing research knowledge into academic programs and propose independent research projects for potential classes. They maintain collaborative relationships with faculty and other schools. They facilitate collective problem solving of common educational challenges, such as administrative bottlenecks, student barriers, and program inefficiencies.