ABSTRACT
This book has described some of the many potential benefits for institutions and individuals of learning analytics. However, the increasing amount of data being accumulated about learners and their activities also creates opportunities for its misuse. Analysing this data brings further risks: concerns have been expressed in particular about the validity of predictive analytics and its possible misinterpretation by users. The various ethical objections that are raised have the potential to impede or halt the implementation of learning analytics. Without addressing such issues there may be a backlash from users 1 , 2 who feel threatened in various ways – for example, by their privacy being invaded or their autonomy being put at risk. Such concerns may be part of an overall sense that the increasing use of surveillance in all aspects of human activity is a threat to our way of life.
