Towards the development of a learning analytics extension in open edX

The emergence of platforms to support MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) strengthens the need of a powerful learning analytics support since teachers cannot be aware of so many students. However, the learning analytics support in MOOC platforms is in an early stage nowadays. The edX platform, one of the most important MOOC platforms, has few learning analytics functionalities at present. In this paper, we analyze the learning analytics support given by the edX platform, and the main initiatives to implement learning analytics in edX. We also present our initial steps to implement a learning analytics extension in edX. We review technical aspects, difficulties, solutions, the architecture and the different elements involved. Finally, we present some new visualizations in the edX platform for teachers and students to help them understand the learning process.