In analysing the Wikipedia page (2020a) relating to learning analytics it is clear that the core definition on Wikipedia (2020b), published by Siemens (2010) has not changed in the past ten years:

“Learning analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of data about learners and their contexts, for purposes of understanding and optimising learning and the environments in which it occurs”

This definition has remained constant, however, it has been expanded upon such as in the Wikipedia (2020c) revision in April 2014. This definition introduced the related field of educational data mining to the general definition, referring to an Educause briefing, Eli (2011) and review by Long et al. (2011). The review, not co-incidentally is co-authored by George Siemens who provided the core definition back in 2010. The authors suggest that change is needed in the use of data in Higher Education where “gut instinct” in institutional planning is still common. They suggest that vast amounts of data are available to make more informed decisions with and highlight the urgency with which these changes should be considered.

On 2018 the Wikipedia (2020d) definition has again been simplified to the core definition but does still make mention of educational data mining.

On the latest iteration of the page, Wikipedia [2020a] the core definition remains however there is more information about the advancement of learning analytics in wider contexts. The references include papers about E-Learning practice which can be improved by analysing the actions of learners and educators. The definition is also broadened to include social networks and LMS systems. There is also a section introducing MOOCs as a source of additional data available to institutions and researchers.

It is clear from the development of the Wikipedia page that the core definition published by George Siemens has remained generic enough to be relevant throughout improvements in technology and understanding of learning analytics. The latest complete definition suggests that the potential of data analysis in the field of education has an increasing importance.

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References

Long, P. and Siemens, G. (2011) Penetrating the fog: analytics in learning and education, Educause Review, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 31–40 (Online) Available at https://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM1151.pdf (Accessed 28th June 2020)

Siemens, G. (2010) 1st International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge 2011. (Online) Available at: https://tekri.athabascau.ca/analytics/ (Accessed: 28th June 2020)

Wikipedia (2020a) Learning Analytics, (Online) Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_analytics (Accessed: 28th June 2020)

Wikipedia (2020b) Learning Analytics, (Online) Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Learning_analytics&oldid=426824703 (Accessed: 28th June 2020)

Wikipedia (2020c) Learning Analytics, (Online) Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Learning_analytics&oldid=606550259 (Accessed: 28th June 2020)

Wikipedia (2020d) Learning Analytics, (Online) Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Learning_analytics&oldid=836853600 (Accessed: 28th June 2020)