What metrics should you track to evaluate online learning?

1 Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you want your learners to achieve by the end of your online course. They are the foundation of your online learning design and evaluation. To track learning outcomes, you need to align them with clear and measurable assessment criteria and methods. You can use various types of assessments, such as quizzes, assignments, projects, portfolios, or peer feedback, to collect data on how well your learners are meeting the learning outcomes. You can also use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from your learners on their perceived learning gains and satisfaction.

2 Learner engagement

Learner engagement is the degree of involvement, interest, and motivation that your learners show in your online course. It is crucial for online learning success, as it affects retention, completion, and learning outcomes. To track learner engagement, you need to monitor both behavioral and emotional indicators. Behavioral indicators include metrics such as login frequency, time spent, page views, completion rates, or participation in activities and discussions. Emotional indicators include metrics such as satisfaction, enjoyment, confidence, or sense of belonging. You can use analytics tools, surveys, or feedback forms to collect and analyze these data.

3 Learner retention

Learner retention is the proportion of learners who enroll in your online course and complete it. It is an important metric to track, as it reflects the effectiveness and attractiveness of your online course design and delivery. Low retention rates can indicate problems such as poor quality, lack of relevance, difficulty, or lack of support. To track learner retention, you need to calculate the dropout rate, which is the percentage of learners who leave your online course before finishing it. You can also segment your learners by demographics, goals, or preferences, and compare their retention rates to identify patterns and gaps.

4 Learner achievement

Learner achievement is the extent to which your learners demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes and acquire the desired competencies. It is the ultimate goal of your online learning program and the main indicator of its impact and value. To track learner achievement, you need to measure the performance and progress of your learners using various assessment methods and tools. You can use formative assessments, such as quizzes, feedback, or self-checks, to monitor learner achievement during the course and provide guidance and support. You can use summative assessments, such as tests, projects, or certificates, to evaluate learner achievement at the end of the course and recognize their accomplishments.

5 Learner satisfaction

Learner satisfaction is the degree of happiness and fulfillment that your learners experience in your online course. It is a subjective metric that can influence learner engagement, retention, and achievement. It can also affect your reputation and referrals as an online educator. To track learner satisfaction, you need to ask your learners for their opinions and feelings about your online course. You can use surveys, feedback forms, or testimonials to collect and analyze learner satisfaction data. You can also use rating scales, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), to measure how likely your learners are to recommend your online course to others.