Workshop Presentations

Using computational tools in service of qualitative methodologies to center equity in research

Presented by: Cynthia D'Angelo
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 

Abstract 

This talk will describe a set/kind of methodological approach/approaches that harness the strengths of computational tools in order to empower researchers with additional descriptive capabilities, especially when analyzing audiovisual data from classroom spaces. We call them computationally-assisted descriptive approaches, or CADAs. In this talk, we will discuss a use of computational techniques that seeks to add nuance, depth, and additional layers of information to be used as part of qualitative interpretation. We view the use of these techniques as a way of expanding the analytic power of a qualitative toolkit. They allow researchers to consider additional perspectives, center nuance and complexity, add new layers of data or information, and expand the type of information that gets counted as data. Characteristics of CADAs as well as examples from our work will be discussed. 

Centering learners meaning making an agency: Practical strategies for equitable learning analytics systems 

Presented by: Angela E.B Stewart 
University of Pittsburgh

Abstract 

Agency is a person’s ability to intentionally influence an outcome through their behavior. Agency may also facilitate learners in building more complex meaning of academic content and ideas. In my talk, I will discuss how centering learners agency and meaning-making can be a key component of equity in developing Learning Analytics applications. I will offer strategies for researchers and practitioners who wish to center learners meaning making and agency, towards the goal of attending to equity in all of our work.