How can learning analytics help instructors monitor and support blended learning outcomes?

1 Define learning outcomes

Before collecting and analyzing data, instructors need to define the learning outcomes they want to achieve with blended learning. Learning outcomes are statements that describe what students should know, do, or value after completing a course or module. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Learning outcomes can help instructors align their blended learning activities, assessments, and feedback with the intended goals and standards.

2 Collect and visualize data

Learning analytics is the process of collecting, measuring, analyzing, and reporting data about learners and their contexts. In blended learning, instructors can use various sources and tools to gather data about their students' online and offline behaviors, interactions, performance, and feedback. For example, they can use learning management systems, surveys, quizzes, assignments, discussions, portfolios, or video analytics. They can also use dashboards, charts, graphs, or heat maps to visualize and interpret the data in meaningful ways.

3 Identify patterns and gaps

Learning analytics can help instructors identify patterns and gaps in their students' learning processes and outcomes. For example, they can see how often and how long students access online materials, how they engage with peers and instructors, how they perform on assessments, or how they respond to feedback. They can also compare the data with the learning outcomes and benchmarks to see if students are meeting the expectations and standards. By identifying patterns and gaps, instructors can gain insights into their students' strengths, weaknesses, needs, and preferences.

4 Provide feedback and intervention

Learning analytics can help instructors provide timely and personalized feedback and intervention to their students. Feedback is essential for students to monitor their own progress, improve their performance, and achieve their goals. Intervention is needed when students are at risk of falling behind, dropping out, or failing. Instructors can use learning analytics to tailor their feedback and intervention to the specific needs and challenges of each student or group. For example, they can send messages, reminders, suggestions, or resources to support students' learning.

5 Adapt and improve course design

Learning analytics can help instructors adapt and improve their blended course design based on the data and feedback they collect and analyze. Instructors can use learning analytics to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of their blended learning activities, assessments, and feedback. They can also use learning analytics to identify areas of improvement and innovation. For example, they can modify the content, format, duration, or sequence of their blended learning modules. They can also introduce new tools, strategies, or pedagogies to enhance their blended learning outcomes.

6 Create personalized learning paths

Learning analytics can help instructors create personalized learning paths for their students. Personalized learning paths are customized sequences of learning activities and resources that match the students' needs, goals, preferences, and pace. They can also include adaptive features that adjust the difficulty or feedback level according to the students' performance or progress. Learning analytics can help instructors design and deliver personalized learning paths by using data to understand the students' profiles, interests, motivations, and challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?