You're evaluating digital learning programs. What metrics should you focus on?

1 Learning outcomes

One of the most important metrics to evaluate is the learning outcomes of your digital learning program. Learning outcomes are the specific knowledge, skills, or attitudes that you want your learners to achieve after completing your program. You can measure learning outcomes by using various types of assessments, such as quizzes, tests, projects, portfolios, or surveys. You can also compare the learning outcomes of your digital learning program with those of a traditional or alternative program, to see how they differ. Learning outcomes can help you determine if your digital learning program is aligned with your learning objectives and if it is meeting the needs and expectations of your learners.

2 Learner satisfaction

Another metric to consider is the learner satisfaction with your digital learning program. Learner satisfaction is the degree to which your learners enjoy, value, and recommend your program. You can measure learner satisfaction by using feedback forms, ratings, reviews, or testimonials. You can also analyze the learner behavior, such as the completion rate, retention rate, or referral rate of your program. Learner satisfaction can help you understand if your digital learning program is engaging, relevant, and useful for your learners, and if it is creating a positive learning experience and a loyal learning community.

3 Learning engagement

A third metric to look at is the learning engagement of your digital learning program. Learning engagement is the extent to which your learners are actively involved, interested, and motivated in your program. You can measure learning engagement by using indicators, such as the time spent, the number of interactions, the level of participation, or the quality of contributions of your learners. You can also use gamification, badges, leaderboards, or rewards to increase and track the learning engagement of your program. Learning engagement can help you assess if your digital learning program is stimulating, challenging, and supportive for your learners, and if it is fostering a collaborative and creative learning environment.

4 Learning transfer

A fourth metric to pay attention to is the learning transfer of your digital learning program. Learning transfer is the extent to which your learners can apply, use, or share what they have learned in your program in their real-life contexts. You can measure learning transfer by using follow-up assessments, observations, interviews, or case studies. You can also use strategies, such as reflection, feedback, coaching, or mentoring to enhance and monitor the learning transfer of your program. Learning transfer can help you evaluate if your digital learning program is relevant, practical, and impactful for your learners, and if it is contributing to their personal or professional development.

5 Learning analytics

A fifth metric to leverage is the learning analytics of your digital learning program. Learning analytics are the data and insights that you can collect, analyze, and visualize from your program. You can use learning analytics tools, such as dashboards, reports, or charts to measure and display the various metrics that we have discussed, as well as other metrics, such as the demographics, preferences, or performance of your learners. You can also use learning analytics to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats of your program, and to make data-driven decisions and recommendations for improvement. Learning analytics can help you optimize your digital learning program and enhance your learning design and delivery.

6 Learning impact

A sixth and final metric to consider is the learning impact of your digital learning program. Learning impact is the overall effect or value that your program has on your learners, your organization, or your society. You can measure learning impact by using indicators, such as the return on investment, the return on expectations, the social return on investment, or the net promoter score of your program. You can also use methods, such as the Kirkpatrick model, the Phillips model, or the Brinkerhoff model to evaluate the learning impact of your program at different levels and dimensions. Learning impact can help you demonstrate the benefits, outcomes, and value of your digital learning program for your stakeholders and your mission.

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?