FAQs

  • What types of paper does the JLA publish, and how do I submit one?

    For information about the types of paper published by the Journal of Learning Analytics, how to submit a paper, maximum word length and details of the peer review process, see the journal’s Focus & Scope.

    How often is the JLA published?

    The Journal of Learning Analytics publishes three issues a year: Spring, Summer, and Winter.

    How much does it cost to publish in the JLA (what is the open access policy)?

    The Journal of Learning Analytics does not charge authors submission or processing charges to submit – costs are covered by the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR).

    The Journal of Learning Analytics provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The journal operates an ‘Early Access’ system ­ accepted papers are first published as soon as possible after acceptance and later assigned to an issue number. This system maximises exposure to the work from the earliest possible date, while also ensuring the rigour of the peer review process.

    How long does the article review process take?

    This depends on the existing commitments of potential reviewers, but we aim to have the first review round complete within six weeks.

    Do you publish special issues and, if so, how do I propose one?

    The Journal of Learning Analytics does not publish special issues, but it regularly publishes special sections on subjects of interest to the learning analytics community. To submit a proposal for a special section, potential guest editors should email jla.editorial@gmail.com with a 1-3 page document detailing:

    1. Guest editors and their respective affiliations.
    2. Proposed theme of the special section and background on why it is important and timely.
    3. Scope and relevant topics for the special section.
    4. Proposed timeline for the review process and publication.

    Special section proposals will be reviewed based on their relevance to the learning analytics community, previous coverage of the topic in the journal and other publications, and likely impact on the field.

    How long can my research paper be?

    Research papers should be no longer than 9,000 words. This includes the abstract, key words, tables/figures, acknowledgements, and reference list. References should not take up more than two pages when formatted using the journal template. We will consider manuscripts up to 12,000 words that are submitted together with a justification for their extended length.

    How long can my data / tool report be?

    Data and tool reports can be up to 6,000 words in length, including the abstract, key words, tables/figures, acknowledgements, and reference list.

    Which organisations index the JLA?

    The Journal of Learning Analytics is indexed by Scopus, Clarivate Web of Science, ERIC – Education Resources Information Center, and Google Scholar

    Do you offer any guidance on publication ethics and misconduct?

    The Journal of Learning Analytics subscribes to the UTS ePress Statement on Publication Ethics and Transparency and follows the ethical standards set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

    As part of the submission process, authors are required to check their submission’s compliance with the following items related to publication ethics. Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will be returned to authors.

    • The submission is original and has not been previously published, nor has it been submitted to another journal for consideration.
    • The text adheres to the ethical, stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines

    In case of misconduct, plagiarism, or if a paper is found not to be original, it will be rejected or removed following the COPE retraction guidelines.

    What are the responsibilities of JLA authors?

    It is the responsibility of the author/s to ensure:

    • Any conflicting or competing interest is disclosed on submission of their work and all sources of funding are declared.
    • They contact the journal editors to identify and correct any material errors upon discovery, whether prior or subsequent to publication of their work.
    • The work is original, and all sources are accurately cited, according to the Journal’s style guide.
    • Authorship of the work is accurately reflected. This means all individuals credited as authors legitimately participated in the authorship of the work, and all those who participated are credited and have given consent for publication. Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, or analysis and interpretation of the work. Other contributors should be mentioned in the acknowledgement section of the paper and their contribution described. Please refer to the Authorship Statement below for more information on authorship.
    • That their submission follows all Author Guidelines (including those for ensuring a blind review).

    What are the criteria for authorship in the JLA?

    Authorship of an article in the Journal of Learning Analytics is an important label that denotes both credit and responsibility for the work conducted and should accurately reflect individuals’ contributions.

    Qualification for authorship of a Journal of Learning Analytics article is based on three criteria:

    1. Substantial contributions to the conception of the work, design of the study, or analysis and interpretation of the data.
    2. Involvement in the writing of the manuscript to be submitted.
    3. Approval of the final submitted version with responsibility for the integrity of its content.

    The author list for a Journal of Learning Analytics submission should include all those, and only those, who satisfy all three of these criteria. Individuals who meet the first criterion should have the opportunity to qualify for authorship by being given the opportunity to participate in the review, drafting, and final approval of the manuscript. Any changes to the author list (including order) must be approved by all authors of the original submission.

    Contributors who do not meet all three of the criteria for authorship should not be listed as authors but can be recognized in a separate acknowledgements section. The Journal of Learning Analytics explicitly disallows the practices of guest, gift, and ghost authorship; responsibility for the correct attribution of authorship resides collectively with the submitting authors.

    Submissions with four or more authors will be required to submit a statement that outlines the contribution that each author has made to the work and manuscript preparation.

    Where is the JLA archived?

    Both CLOCKSS and PORTICO have permission to ingest, preserve, and serve this Archival Unit.

    Where should I address a complaint about the journal?

    Complaints related to the Journal of Learning Analytics should be directed in the first instance to the Editors in Chief via the official journal contact information. Complaints will be investigated according to recommendations by the Committee on Publication Ethics. If complainants are unsatisfied with the response, they may contact the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR).