Tools for Educational Data Mining: A Review. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slater, Stefan; Joksimović, Srećko; Kovanovic, Vitomir; Baker, Ryan S.; Gasevic, Dragan
• Is Part Of: Journal of educational and behavioral statistics. Volume 42:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: software -- modeling -- data management -- text mining -- data analysis -- big data -- data cleaning; Educational statistics -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; 370.2
• DOI: 10.3102/1076998616666808
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-9986

Abstract

In recent years, a wide array of tools have emerged for the purposes of conducting educational data mining (EDM) and/or learning analytics (LA) research. In this article, we hope to highlight some of the most widely used, most accessible, and most powerful tools available for the researcher interested in conducting EDM/LA research. We will highlight the utility that these tools have with respect to common data preprocessing and analysis steps in a typical research project as well as more descriptive information such as price point and user-friendliness. We will also highlight niche tools in the field, such as those used for Bayesian knowledge tracing (BKT), data visualization, text analysis, and social network analysis. Finally, we will discuss the importance of familiarizing oneself with multiple tools—a data analysis toolbox—for the practice of EDM/LA research.