Visualizing and Reporting Educational Data with R

Sonsoles López-Pernas, Kamila Misiejuk, Santtu Tikka, Juho Kopra, Merja Heinäniemi and Mohammed Saqr
Learning Analytics Methods and Tutorials, 2024(2024), pp. 151--194

Abstract

Visualizing data is central in learning analytics research, underpins learning dashboards, and is a prime method for reporting results and insights to stakeholders. In this chapter, the reader will be guided through the process of generating meaningful and aesthetically pleasing visualizations of different types of student data using well-known R packages. The main visualization types will be demonstrated with an explanation of their usage and use cases. Furthermore, learning-related examples will be discussed in detail. For instance, readers will learn how to visualize learners’ logs extracted from learning management systems to show how trace data can be used to track students’ learning activities. In addition to creating compelling plots, readers will also be able to generate professional-looking tables with summary statistics. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2024. This book is an open access publication.

Affiliations

School of Computing, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland; Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology (SLATE), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland