Institutional Learning Analytics Code of Practice

Introduction

1. The collection and use of data about students and their learning is providing new opportunities for institutions to support learners and to enhance educational processes. Learning analytics systems ("Learning Analytics") present visualisations of student learning activity. These will be used at Sheffield Hallam University ("the University") to assist current students in achieving their study goals, and to help improve the University's overall provision of education.

2. As part of the University 'Transforming Lives' strategy, the University will use Learning Analytics to help meet the following objectives: • increasing student retention and progression and student success

• increasing the engagement of students with their learning experience
• enabling effective student support
• enhance the University's approach to learning and teaching based on evidence
• operating sustainably, investing in functions that support the corporate strategy Our Student Support framework is a key enabler for learning analytics at Hallam. Each student has a named Academic Adviser, Student Support Adviser, and an Employability Adviser to provide a comprehensive support offer. The Academic Adviser and Student Support Adviser are critical components in monitoring students’ progress and providing support and encouragement throughout their learning journey.

3. Learning Analytics will not be used for:

• automated decision-making (deciding solely by automated means without any human involvement)
• automated processing of personal data to evaluate certain things about an individual (profiling)
• the purposes of assessment of academic work

4. The University will ensure that Learning Analytics is deployed for the benefit of students, with complete transparency about the data that is being captured, processed and used. All activities in this area will comply with the institution’s Information Governance Policy.

5. Learning Analytics will be used to support the implementation of the University's Student Engagement Policy. Academic colleagues are required to use JISC Learning Analytics to record attendance at all taught sessions and encourage students to register their attendance using Study Goal. Further information can be found on Learning Analytics SharePoint site and in the Student Attendance and Engagement – Staff Guidance.