ABSTRACT
This chapter considers a phenomenon that has created considerable interest in the areas of online and blended learning research: the concept of big data. The fundamental dichotomy between thinking 'statistically' and thinking 'big data' that frames differences in analysis and interpretation strategies. In addition, institutions across the country have translated big data thinking into predictive analytics approaches to help students succeed. Big data has made possible the development of processes and models that in business, industry, and marketing have created predictive analytics, something that each of one encounters on a daily basis. Large data sets provide useful information for making decisions about the impact of online and blended learning programs. Many learning management systems, such as Blackboard, Brightspace, and Canvas by Instructure, collect and provide the means for analyzing student behavior, engagement measures, and performance. Research in the area has the potential to identify at-risk students and cohorts, allowing timely interventions.
