Ghostbusters: Using learning analytics and early assessment design to identify and support ghost students

Kelly Linden; Neil Van Der Ploeg; Ben Hicks

doi:10.14742/ascilite2021.0108

Ghostbusters: Using learning analytics and early assessment design to identify and support ghost students

Kelly Linden, Neil Van Der Ploeg, Ben Hicks

Research output: Other contribution to conference › Presentation only › peer-review

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Abstract

Ghosting is a student behaviour characterised by enrolling in a subject but never participating. Hence, a ghost student who remains enrolled receives a zero-fail grade. From 2022, the Job ready Graduates Package will require that only genuine students have access to Commonwealth assistance at Australian Universities and an institution may need to refund the fees of what are referred to as non-genuine students. In 2019 and 2020, 382 first-year subjects were monitored to identify disengaged students in weeks 3 and 4 of the session using learning analytics and nonsubmission of an early assessment item. Disengaged students were contacted via phone and 2-way SMS and offered timely and targeted support pre census. The total number of domestic undergraduate students receiving a zero fail has decreased during this time. To further reduce the number of ghost students, once identified as disengaged, an engagement should be mandatory to remain in the subject.

Original language	English
Pages	54-59
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.14742/ascilite2021.0108
Publication status	Published - 05 Dec 2021
Event	Back to the Future – ASCILITE ‘21: 38th International Conference on Innovation, Practice and Research in the Use of Educational Technologies in Tertiary Education - University of New England, Armidale, Australia Duration: 29 Nov 2021 → 01 Dec 2021 https://2021conference.ascilite.org/ (Conference website) https://2021conference.ascilite.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ASCILITE-2021-Conference-Proceedings.pdf (Proceedings)

Conference

Conference	Back to the Future – ASCILITE ‘21
Abbreviated title	Back to the Future
Country/Territory	Australia
City	Armidale
Period	29/11/21 → 01/12/21
Other	The ASCILITE 2021 Conference is ASCILITE’s 38th International Conference on Innovation, Practice and Research in the use of Educational Technologies in Tertiary Education, hosted by the University of New England, Armidale, physical and virtual due to COVID-19 border restrictions, on 29 November to 1 December 2020. ASCILITE 2021 themes: - Learning Design and Learning Analytics - Hybrid, Virtual and Place-based Education - Back to the Future: Post-COVID Landscapes - Academic Integrity - Open and Inclusive Practice
Internet address	https://2021conference.ascilite.org/ (Conference website) https://2021conference.ascilite.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ASCILITE-2021-Conference-Proceedings.pdf (Proceedings)

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10.14742/ascilite2021.0108

200544595 PresentationFinal published version, 390 KBLicence: CC BY

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title = "Ghostbusters: Using learning analytics and early assessment design to identify and support ghost students",

abstract = "Ghosting is a student behaviour characterised by enrolling in a subject but never participating. Hence, a ghost student who remains enrolled receives a zero-fail grade. From 2022, the Job ready Graduates Package will require that only genuine students have access to Commonwealth assistance at Australian Universities and an institution may need to refund the fees of what are referred to as non-genuine students. In 2019 and 2020, 382 first-year subjects were monitored to identify disengaged students in weeks 3 and 4 of the session using learning analytics and nonsubmission of an early assessment item. Disengaged students were contacted via phone and 2-way SMS and offered timely and targeted support pre census. The total number of domestic undergraduate students receiving a zero fail has decreased during this time. To further reduce the number of ghost students, once identified as disengaged, an engagement should be mandatory to remain in the subject.",

keywords = "early assessment item, student engagement, Learning analytics, Ghost Student",

author = "Kelly Linden and {Van Der Ploeg}, Neil and Ben Hicks",

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doi = "10.14742/ascilite2021.0108",

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N2 - Ghosting is a student behaviour characterised by enrolling in a subject but never participating. Hence, a ghost student who remains enrolled receives a zero-fail grade. From 2022, the Job ready Graduates Package will require that only genuine students have access to Commonwealth assistance at Australian Universities and an institution may need to refund the fees of what are referred to as non-genuine students. In 2019 and 2020, 382 first-year subjects were monitored to identify disengaged students in weeks 3 and 4 of the session using learning analytics and nonsubmission of an early assessment item. Disengaged students were contacted via phone and 2-way SMS and offered timely and targeted support pre census. The total number of domestic undergraduate students receiving a zero fail has decreased during this time. To further reduce the number of ghost students, once identified as disengaged, an engagement should be mandatory to remain in the subject.

AB - Ghosting is a student behaviour characterised by enrolling in a subject but never participating. Hence, a ghost student who remains enrolled receives a zero-fail grade. From 2022, the Job ready Graduates Package will require that only genuine students have access to Commonwealth assistance at Australian Universities and an institution may need to refund the fees of what are referred to as non-genuine students. In 2019 and 2020, 382 first-year subjects were monitored to identify disengaged students in weeks 3 and 4 of the session using learning analytics and nonsubmission of an early assessment item. Disengaged students were contacted via phone and 2-way SMS and offered timely and targeted support pre census. The total number of domestic undergraduate students receiving a zero fail has decreased during this time. To further reduce the number of ghost students, once identified as disengaged, an engagement should be mandatory to remain in the subject.

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ER -

Ghostbusters: Using learning analytics and early assessment design to identify and support ghost students

Abstract

Conference

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