Following the frenetic interactions of the Tweetorial, this has felt like a much quieter week, as we retreated to assess the data which had been captured by via Tweet Archivist. Having looked at a number of responses to the task (see here, here and here), it appears that many of us have dismantled any notion that the data provides us with any meaningful insights into our learning. What it has provided us with is an example of why algorithms, their outcomes and their analyses all have to be interrogated as active processes (we’re back to entanglements again) which are neither objective nor transparent. They are complex constructs which, as Helen’s work shows, can provide us with multiple fictions.

Our discussion in the Hangout touched on the impact which the use of analytics can have on learning and learners. Knowing that we were going to be subjected to an algorithmic assessment impacted on our behaviours in the Tweetorial and, in future, could affect how we approach tasks as we try to ‘beat the machine’.

The other key activity this week has been further development of my ideas for the final assignment. It’s been such a rich, thought provoking course that I’m a little at sea with where to start and what tools to use. However, as suggested by James in his email to his tutees, I’m going to look for help and suggestions from the other students on the course…