Establishing an ethical literacy for learning analytics

Abstract

This paper borrows multiple frameworks from the field of technical communication in order to review theory, research, practice, and ethics of the Learning Analytics and Knowledge (LAK) discipline. These frameworks also guide discussion on the ethics of learning analytics "artifacts" (data visualizations, dashboards, and methodology), and the ethical consequences of using learning analytics (classification, social power moves, and absence of voice). Finally, the author suggests a literacy for learning analytics that includes an ethical viewpoint.