PhD Defense: A Deep Dive into Visual Learning Analytics

On September 13th, Hendrik Drachsler took on the esteemed role of opponent in the PhD defense of Artemis Mohseni at Linnaeus University, Sweden. The defense, which marked a pivotal moment in Artemis’s academic journey, centered around her innovative doctoral thesis titled “Development of Visual Learning Analytics Tools to Explore Performance and Engagement of Students in Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education.”

The evaluation commission was formed by:

• Associate professor Olga Viberg, Royal Institute of Technolgy, Sweden
• Associate professor Linnéa Stenliden, Linköpings University, Sweden
• Professor Johan Lundin, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• Associate professor Fisnik Dalipi, Linnaeus University, Sweden
• Associate professor Arianit Kurti, Linnaeus University, Sweden

It was an exciting defense that showcased Artemis’s research, which focuses on the potential of Visual Learning Analytics (VLA) to enhance teaching and learning by providing actionable insights on student engagement and performance. This thesis not only highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in education but also offers practical solutions for improving outcomes across various educational levels.

The Focus of Artemis Mohseni’s Thesis

Dr. Mohseni’s thesis sheds light on the transformative power of Visual Learning Analytics (VLA), especially in how data visualization can help educators make better decisions and improve student outcomes. Here’s a look at the core areas of her research:

1. Design and Machine Learning

Dr. Mohseni’s research demonstrates how advanced visualization and machine learning techniques can enhance the interpretation of educational data, especially in higher education. Through her work, educators can gain deeper insights into student performance, making data more accessible and actionable.

2. Systematic Review of Visual Learning Analytics in Primary and Secondary Education

Her research includes a systematic review of existing VLA tools, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement in primary and secondary education. This review offers a roadmap for how VLA can be better integrated into these settings, helping teachers monitor engagement and performance more effectively.

3. Technical Solution for Data Integration

Dr. Mohseni developed a technical solution that includes a secure data pipeline for gathering data from multiple digital resources, ensuring that data is collected efficiently, stored safely, and ready for real-time analysis and visualization.

4. Human-Centered Design in Collaboration with Teachers

A key aspect of her research was the co-design of VLA tools with teachers, ensuring that the tools were directly shaped by their needs. This human-centered approach makes the tools more practical and easy to integrate into the daily teaching routine.

5. Scenario-Based Framework for Multiple Learning Analytics Dashboards (MLADs)

Dr. Mohseni introduced a scenario-based framework for developing Multiple Learning Analytics Dashboards (MLADs) tailored to different educational stakeholders. These dashboards allow for more effective, data-driven decision-making, improving both teaching practices and student outcomes.

---

Hendrik Drachsler’s Role as the Opponent

Hendrik’s  task was to rigorously evaluate her work, ensuring that it not only met high academic standards but also held practical value in real-world educational settings. Throughout the defense, Hendrik asked critical questions about the design and implementation of the VLA tools presented by Dr. Mohseni, focusing on how these tools can be adapted to different educational contexts and how they might evolve in the future.

A Heartfelt Congratulations to Dr. Mohseni!

First and foremost, a big congratulations to the newly minted Dr. Artemis Mohseni for this incredible achievement! Her research represents a significant contribution to the field of Learning Analytics, and we are confident that her work will have a lasting impact on both educational practices and future innovations in the field. Well done, Dr. Mohseni!