Poekert: At the University of Florida, We Have Lots of Data on Students and Math. Now, We Need Researchers to Help Us Mine It
The field of data science and predictive analytics has been widely embraced across the world. A prime example of this is seen on platforms like Netflix, where personalized show suggestions are provided, leading to an enjoyable viewing experience. Additionally, devices like Alexa help us in our day-to-day tasks by reminding us to order more paper towels when needed, which we often find to be true. The impact of data science is not limited to entertainment and consumer goods alone. In the realm of education, data analysis and predictive analytics on large data sets can serve as the basis for new interventions and tools that cater to the individual experiences and needs of both students and teachers. This can result in cost-effective and customized support systems that enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
Many of us possess vast amounts of data that have the potential to bring about transformative changes, but we have yet to fully explore their possibilities. At the University of Florida Lastinger Center, we have two valuable sources of untapped data. Our mission for the past decade has been to maximize the potential of every student by integrating technology and knowledge to revolutionize education. To achieve this goal, we have developed two unique educational technology platforms: Algebra Nation, a comprehensive online mathematics teaching and learning platform, and Flamingo Learning, a fully online professional development system that is mobile-friendly.
Both platforms offer a wide range of tools, resources, and support to teachers and students, thereby improving the outcomes of teaching and learning on a large scale. By being utilized in multiple states, these platforms have generated significant amounts of unexplored data, making them excellent avenues for research that could lead to important discoveries in the fields of educational technology and educational reform.
However, to unlock the full potential of our data, we need partners who can help us interpret it. We invite interested researchers to collaborate with us in conducting research on one or both of our platforms. This research will focus on various themes related to machine learning and data analytics, with the aim of identifying features, tools, and enhancements that can bring about meaningful improvements in the learning process. We are particularly interested in exploring the connections between learner profiles, learner engagement, learner activity, learner recommendations, and teacher-student outcomes. Additionally, we encourage innovative experiments that explore learning within virtual environments. It is crucial that our partners prioritize student privacy while extracting valuable information from the data.
We have opened our data mine and are now seeking data scientists to conduct research within our platforms. The ultimate goal is to use the data we have collected over the years to not only improve learning outcomes but also to inspire other organizations to utilize data science for the benefit of students nationwide.
If you are a researcher interested in this opportunity, please visit our website to learn more about the platforms, research possibilities, and how to collaborate with the Lastinger Center in transforming education through research and technology. The initial submission is meant to initiate a dialogue and should be no longer than a couple of pages.
We believe that this endeavor will not only enhance learning through the utilization of the data we have gathered, but also inspire other organizations to follow suit and leverage data science for the betterment of students across the nation.
Phil Poekert
Director of the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning
