HELA project team develops a Maturity Framework to enhance higher education through learning analytics after four years of research
This significant research project, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation, brought together leading national and international experts with the goal of improving the educational process through learning analytics. The project was led by Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, Ph. D. with Prof. Diana Šimić, Ph. D. as the co-leader.
What are learning analytics and why are they important: Key findings of the HELA project
Learning analytics involve the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data on students and their learning processes to enhance teaching and provide better support to students. These methods help educators identify the challenges their students face, improve course design and teaching methods, and offer personalized recommendations.
For institutions, learning analytics enable better decision-making regarding study program portfolios, curriculum design, and teaching processes. They also provide timely information essential for improving education quality, leading to better learning outcomes. As part of the HELA project, a framework for improving higher education through learning analytics was developed to assist institutions in successfully integrating these technologies. This framework was based on extensive research conducted at leading European universities, including Goethe University (Germany), The Open University (United Kingdom), KU Leuven (Belgium), and The Open University of Catalonia (Spain). The project resulted in the publication of 13 scientific papers in renowned journals and 29 conference papers at international academic events, making a significant contribution to the research community and the further development of this field. Beyond learning analytics, the project team also explored decision-making agility and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, areas they plan to continue researching in the future - stated project leader Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, Ph. D.
The HELA project, with a total budget of €103,023.43, ran from March 1, 2021, to February 28, 2025. The research involved 17 scientists from UNIZG FOI and the University Computing Center (SRCE), working alongside renowned European experts, including: Prof. Bart Rienties, Ph. D. (The Open University, UK), Prof. Wim Van Petegem, Ph. D. (KU Leuven, Belgium), Prof. Nati Cabrera, Ph. D. (UOC, Spain), Prof. Lourdes Guardia, Ph. D. (UOC, Spain), Prof. Alexander Tillmann, Ph. D., Prof. Hendrik Drachsler, Ph. D., Michael Eichhorn, Dipl. -Ing. M.A. (Goethe University, Germany).
Among the most notable results, I would highlight the development of a Framework and Checklist for reporting on scientific research in learning analytics, guidelines for the ethical and pedagogical application of learning analytics, ensuring privacy and data protection, a Maturity Model that higher education institutions can use for self-assessment and improving their readiness for adopting learning analytics. Although this marks the end of one phase, I believe that this research team will continue collaborating on many new projects in the future. - emphasized the co-leader of the project Prof. Diana Šimić, Ph. D.
I am glad that I could participate in the HELA project as a Ph. D. student and improve my research experience with a great international team. We dealt with the maturity framework, the application of learning analytics in science and education, the exchange of experiences in an international environment, and from that we developed a model of learning analytics that, I hope, will be applied at other institutions in Croatia and the world. - said assistant director of SRCE, Sabina Rako.
Future Prospects and Next Steps
The successful completion of the HELA project has laid the foundation for future research. The developed framework not only provides institutions with guidelines for increasing their maturity level in using analytical tools but also sets the stage for tackling complex challenges such as ethics, data privacy, and personalized learning. This ensures long-term support for students and educators in the digital age.
Projects like this are crucial for us, as they highlight our proactive scientific approach. Each year, we strive to apply for as many research projects as possible through the Croatian Science Foundation, as they allow us to strengthen our research and academic capacities. Currently, FOI is implementing 21 projects, including four funded by the Croatian Science Foundation. - stated Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, Ph. D., Dean of UNIZG FOI.
For more details, visit the official project website.