About SoLAR

The Challenge

We are experiencing an unprecedented increase in the quantity and quality of information and data available not only to us, but also about us. We must adapt individually, institutionally and culturally to the transition in technologies and social norms that makes this possible and question their impacts and implications for learning and knowledge building.

Vision

SoLAR’s vision is to be recognized as the leading organization promoting research and implementation of Learning Analytics.

Mission

SoLAR’s overall mission is to advance the field of learning analytics globally by:

1. Fostering the highest standards of academic research in learning analytics;
2. Creating opportunities for the diverse stakeholders in learning analytics to
   communicate, collaborate, debate and support the implementation and adoption
   of learning analytics;
3. Promoting the development of open educational resources in learning analytics;
   and
4. Raising awareness of learning analytics amongst policy and decision-makers in
   educational institutions, professional and government contexts.

Members

SoLAR members are academic researchers, practitioners, product developers, institutional leaders, government policy analysts, educators and students in the interdisciplinary field of learning analytics.

Goals - April 2023 to December 2025

1. Develop sustainable models for SoLAR major events 2024-2025
2. Assist individual and institutional members with embedding learning analytics in practice
3. Develop an engagement plan to work and/or collaborate with industry and its rapid pace/development (e.g., AI)
4. Continue to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the SoLAR Community

Enablers

In combination with or in addition to the SoLAR Executive, the following Working Groups assist in furthering, the vision, mission, core business and strategic goals:

• Communication & Website oversee the internal and external communications of the Society
• Education promotes the development of high-quality Learning Analytics educational resources
• Inclusion develops and implements initiatives aimed to promote, elevate and foster an open, diverse, and inclusive environment
• Industry develops and promotes partnership with industry seeking to partner in related projects.
• Special Interest Groups promote and support the establishment of SIGs within the Society.
• Membership works on initiatives to expand membership benefits and increase overall membership for the Society.
• Journal of Learning Analytics creates and disseminates new tools, techniques, study transformations, and provide ongoing evaluation and critique of conceptual, technical and practice outcomes.
• IAALDE increases the visibility and impact of research produced by member societies.
• Events encourage and support the community in hosting learning analytics related events to further the mission of the Society Includes LAK and LASI programme/organizing teams).
• ECR Grant encourages and supports early career researchers with annual funding opportunity in the ECR grant.
• Learning Analytics in Practice (LAP) implements and promotes the newly launched online event which focuses on practical implementation of Learning Analytics around the globe.