Learning Analytics refers to learner data that is collected using educational technology tools that can be analyzed and used to inform pedagogical practice. Educational Technology tools are used to collect data about learner behaviors, interactions, contexts and outcomes. The aim of Learning Analytics is to use Learning data to improve current student outcomes, and to inform better course design for future student outcomes.
Learning Analytics at Carleton
Learning Analytics at Carleton use data that are collected by Carleton’s supported educational technology tools that help to describe student progress and instructional process. The collection, interpretation, and reporting of these data allow faculty, staff, and departments to inform themselves when assisting students in optimizing their learning.
Learning Analytics for Faculty
Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive Learning Analytics can be used to inform Course Design and re-design, evidence based student Intervention and guidance for improvements in the support of teaching and learning. More detailed explanations for the use cases of Learning Analytics are available on the Pedagogical uses of Learning Analytics page. For information on how best to design and redesign your courses to get the most from learning analytics, see the support page on Designing Courses for Learning Analytics.
Tools for Learning Analytics
Learning analytics data at Carleton can be obtained from the Learning Management System D2L Brightspace, and the Individual tools that have learning analytics functions.
D2L Brightspace Core Analytics
Carleton’s LMS, D2L Brightspace, offers multiple different ways of gaining insight into your course’s performance using student behavior data that is collected by the Brightspace software. For information on how to get started using these Brightspace Core Analytics capabilities, visit the Brightspace Core Analytics page.
Learning analytics supported tools
Carleton’s supported Educational technology tools can also collect student learning analytics data. The following tools have their own analytics functionality that can be leveraged in conjunction with the Brightspace Core Analytics:
- Zoom Usage Reports
- Kaltura Learning Analytics
- Poll Everywhere Attendance Tracking
Ethical Data Use
At Carleton, we are committed to establishing ethical practices to access, interpret, and share Learning Analytics. All uses of Learning Analytics and the data acquired through those analytics will abide by the core principles of Non-maleficence, Privacy and Security and Transparency. For more information on how these principles inform data use and collection, please visit our page on the Ethics of Data Use. All data that is collected by Learning Analytics tools and processes at Carleton is governed by Carleton’s Policy on Data and Information Classification and Protection.
Additional Resources
Learning Analytics are a powerful and versatile set of tools, and this is just a limited list of potential use cases. To fully explore the possibilities of Self-Serve data, take the Learning Analytics Data Workshop. This workshop provides an overview of the many tools and capabilities included within Carleton’s supported Educational Technology tools.
Support
For consultations and help implementing Learning Analytics into your course, contact the Teaching and Learning Services team through the TLS Support Portal.
