2. What do we mean by OLA?
An open Learning Analytics ecosystem that contains…
Open Source Learning Analytics Software (analytics engines, dashboards…)
Open Standards and APIs for Learning Analytics
Open Models – Predictive models, knowledge maps, etc.
Open Content – Journals, whitepapers, MOOCs
Openness or Transparency with regards to policies and strategies (e.g. ethics)
OLA is NOT anti-commercial – Commercial ecosystems help sustain OSS
3. Why OLA is important?
Much work to date has been “tool” or “software-centric”
◦ Can make it harder to capture data and integrate across systems (limits Big Data potential)
Often “closed” with regards to software, predictive models, data, etc.
◦ Impossible to understand predictions and access your own data
◦ Limits research opportunities which requires Big Data
We currently have silos of activity without a great deal of collaboration or awareness
◦ Creates inefficiencies and reduces “velocity” of scaling up production-ready solutions
What is happening in this space right now?
5. What is Apereo?
Formed through the merger of the Sakai and
Jasig Foundations in 2013.
Sakai and Jasig were both higher education
open-source software communities
Mission: "assist and facilitate educational
organizations which collaborate to foster,
develop, and sustain open technologies and
innovation to support learning, teaching, and
research“
Apereo.org
6. Some of our current OSS Projects…
We are also current
“incubating” several new
projects including…
◦ OpenCast Matterhorn-
Lecture Capture
◦ Karuta – ePortfolio
◦ UniTime - Scheduling
7. OLA Summit Outcomes
Four major domains within OLA were identified:
(1) Standards and Software
(2) Strategy and Policy
(3) Learning Design
(4) Research and Data
Attendees formed groups around each domain and worked to define
each, identify action plans and other groups to engage
Do you think
there should be
other domains?
8. Apereo Learning Analytics Initiative (LAI)
Goal: Operationalize outcomes from Learning Analytics research and development efforts as
means to create the software, APIs, standards and integration solutions needed to scale LA
across all of higher education.
Current Partners: University of Amsterdam, Marist College and Sinclair Community College
Current Proof-of-Concept Projects
◦ University of Amsterdam – Tin Can/Experience API and Learning Record Stores
◦ Marist College – Open Academic Analytics Initiative (OAAI) and SNAPP for Sakai
◦ Sinclair Community College – Student Success Plan
Contact: Alan Berg, Community Officer
Email: analytics-coordinator@apereo.org,
Google Group: analytics@apereo.org
(subscribe by sending a message to
analytics+subscribe@apereo.org)
9. Five Main Components
of an OLA Framework:
• Collection
• Storage
• Analysis
• Communication
• Action
Should there be
other components?
11. What we would like to see happen next…
Updating SoLAR Open Learning Analytics whitepaper
Considering Grant Proposal
Proof-of-Concept Software Development
Launch of an OLA Network
Events at 2015 Learning Analytics & Knowledge conference
12. Come Join Us at the
5th International Learning Analytics & Knowledge
Conference at Marist College
Pre-Conference Apereo – SoLAR Hackathon and Executive Leadership Summit
Are there specific
OLA activities we
should plan for
LAK15?
