The EduData Podcast Timothy Davis, Jamie Boggs

Jamie Boggs and Timothy Davis welcome Steven Fischer from Education Dynamics for a deep dive into the complexities of market research in higher education. Steven shares his expertise on research methodologies that help institutions make informed decisions to better meet student needs. From discussing the importance of sample sizes and survey incentives to exploring the nuances of data collection, this episode takes you behind the scenes of higher ed research.

Timothy and Jamie share their key takeaways from the recent HighEdWeb 2024 Analytics & AI Summit. They break down the significant shift from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, the integration of AI within educational technology, and the challenges of adapting to new privacy regulations. Whether discussing the technical aspects of GA4, exploring AI use cases, or examining data-driven decision-making processes, this episode is packed with essential insights for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of higher education technology. Tune in to stay ahead in the dynamic world of educational analytics and AI applications.

In this episode Jamie and Timothy dive into the fascinating world of decision fatigue and its impact on grading practices in higher education. Drawing from a study conducted at the University of Michigan, which analyzed over 30 million grading records, Jamie and Timothy discuss how individuals with last names lower in alphabetical order tend to receive worse grades due to decision fatigue among graders. They explore various causes of decision fatigue and its effects on grading outcomes, shedding light on biases such as anchoring bias and sequential grading biases. Furthermore, they examine potential solutions to mitigate decision fatigue, including randomization techniques and reducing class sizes. Join in the conversation to share valuable insights into the challenges of grading practices and the importance of designing equitable systems in education.

In this episode, Jamie and Timothy discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making in higher education. They highlight the need for better data utilization across departments and share insights from surveys and studies on areas requiring improved data usage, such as academic advising and financial operations. Jamie and Timothy emphasize the significance of setting goals, establishing baselines, and implementing ongoing data monitoring. They also advocate for staff training, exploring best practices, and fostering a data-driven culture. Through practical tips, they aim to empower listeners to leverage data effectively for improving operations and achieving institutional goals.

In this episode, Timothy and Jamie discuss the significant challenges faced by students and institutions due to delays in the FAFSA portal redesign and aid calculation restructuring. They highlight the National College Attainment Network's dashboard, which visualizes FAFSA completion data, revealing the disproportionate impact on low-income and minority students. The hosts emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing the FAFSA crisis and call on listeners to explore the dashboard for insights and solutions.

The conversation explores the use of student-facing dashboards that provide data on student performance and behavior compared to their peers. The discussion touches on the potential benefits and concerns of this approach, including the impact on academic self-concept and the potential for gamification. The conversation also highlights the broader trend of data products for students and the potential for using data to improve the student experience.