Pocket Data Analytics: An Introduction to Practical Applications of Course Analytics in Online Learning

摘要

The concept of using academic analytics to understand trends in a student population is not a new idea. However, much of the analysis of these massive numbers live in the "Massive or Big Data" analysis of information for whole programs. There is little evidence that instructors are using smaller samplings weekly, or even daily analytics, to improve performance and engagement. For the purposes of this paper, let us call this data: Pocket Data Analytics. This paper will provide an introduction to the practical application of analytics in which instructors can use to proactively improve student engagement and performan ce. These changes would occur during an on-going semester. According to Swan (2012), "Online learning seems to be on the frontlines of the learning analytics movement, and so online educators need to inform themselves about learning analytics".