Assessing Learning Analytics Impact on Coding Competence Growth

The literature reveals that the effectiveness of learning analytics (LA) tools is best evaluated with a mixed-method approach and not only with summative measurements such as grades. A recent study on the impact of an LA tool over academic performance did not substantiate its effect in improving grades for coding tasks despite qualitative comments of experimental group participants indicating that the tool was effective in improving coding competences in Java. In analyzing this viewpoint, this paper describes the impact of LA formative feedback on the growth of students' coding competences.