Data Science Methods for Digital Learning Platforms

In this 16-week program, participants will learn to conduct analysis on real-world data, working directly with authentic student interaction data that has not been cleaned. You’ll compare statistical and psychometric approaches to machine learning and data mining methods. You will also learn how to move beyond the well-structured use cases often utilized in introductory data science and statistics courses, which are often not representative of the data that comes from digital learning platforms. 

The program is online and asynchronous, with one optional synchronous and virtual “ask me anything” session with the instructors. Each module includes discussion-based interactions with peers and instructors and a project-based assignment for which fellows will be able to apply the skills they learn using authentic tools and datasets. The examples and assignments corresponding with each module will align with real challenges and scenarios common to digital learning platforms. Emphasis is given to identifying the development of relevant research questions and understanding the limitations and affordances that different types of digital learning platform data may provide in addressing these questions. 

This program is designed for individuals with a clear intent to pursue education research, and who have some degree of prior quantitative analysis background and either an intermediate-level understanding of statistics or psychometrics or a background in computer science. Twenty participants will be selected for the first cohort based on a competitive application process. 

There will be five cohorts of fellows over three years, the next application will be for the second cohort starting in Fall 2024. There is no cost to participate in this program.