Natural Language Processing: Writing Analytics

Writing analytics uses computational techniques to analyse written texts for the purposes of improving learning. This chapter provides an introduction to writing analytics, through the discussion of linguistic and domain orientations to the analysis of writing, and descriptive and evaluative intentions for the analytics. The chapter highlights the importance of the relationship between writing analytics and good pedagogy, contending that for writing analytics to positively impact learning, actionability must be considered in the design process. Limitations of writing analytics are also discussed, highlighting areas of concern for future research.