Nate Angellraised by wolves, accidental open-source evangelist

Presenters

• Josh Baron (Marist College)
• Nate Angell (rSmart)

Description

The Open Academic Analytics Initiative (OAAI), funded under a Next Generation Learning Challenges grant, is building on Purdue University's ground-breaking Course Signals project with the goal of improving our understanding of how to scale analytics across institutions. More specifically, OAAI is engaged in the development of an "open ecosystem" for learner analytics that includes the Sakai Collaboration and Learning Environment (CLE), Pentaho open-source business intelligence suite, an open predictive model and intervention strategies that leverage Open Educational Resources (OER). In addition, we are researching the "portability" of predictive models between institutions as well as the effectiveness of engaging student in online support communities as a means to improve academic success. To facilitate this work, a "student effort data" API for the Sakai CLE, is being developed to automate the extraction of event log and gradebook data required by the predictive model.

Presenter Biographies

Josh Baron

As the Senior Academic Technology Officer for Marist College, Mr. Baron directs the office of Academic Technology and eLearning which is responsible for overseeing a wide range of instructional technology initiatives, including distance learning, faculty professional development, and learner support. He also plays a leadership role in strategic planning for the College in areas of academic and information technology. Mr. Baron was first elected to the Sakai Foundation Board of Directors in 2008 and re-elected for a second three-year term in 2011. He has served as Foundation Board Chair for three years between 2009 and 2012. He is also a member of the Education Dynamics Advisory Board, one of the leading distance education marketing companies in the United States. Before coming to Marist, Mr. Baron was the Associate Director of Instructional Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology. In this capacity, he helped lead a $10 million U.S. Department of Education technology initiative working both at the K-12 and college level. During this time he was also a member of the Stevens WebCampus initiative and developed one of the first Stevens online graduate courses. Mr. Baron graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Technology Leadership (ETL) from the George Washington University through their pioneering online ETL program.

Session: Track Session