Using Learner Analytics to Enhance Online Instruction & Training

The use of technology and data analytics has become increasingly important with the necessity, flexibility, and ubiquity of virtual training and instruction. Learner analytics can be used to identify opportunities to enhance or improve the design and delivery of training and instruction. Let’s explore the concept of learner analytics and how Engageli’s active learning platform is leading the charge.

What are Learner Analytics? 

Learner analytics refers to the practice of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data generated by participants as they interact with educational or training content. The goal of these analytics is to gain insights into the participants’ learning behaviors and use this information to improve instructional and training strategies. This process involves the use of various tools, including data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

Learner analytics can help facilitators identify areas where participants are struggling and adjust their instructional strategies accordingly. By analyzing data on engagement, participation, and performance, facilitators can gain valuable insights into how participants are interacting with the course material. This information can be used to identify areas where support is needed, such as additional resources or clarification on certain concepts.

How can Learner Analytics Enhance Online Training and Instruction?

Learner analytics can be especially valuable in the context of online instruction. In traditional in-person settings, facilitators can observe participants and provide immediate feedback. However, in an online environment, facilitators must rely on digital tools to monitor engagement and performance.

Learner analytics can help facilitators in several ways, including:

• Personalizing instruction: By analyzing participant data, facilitators can identify individual learning needs and tailor their training and instruction. This can lead to a more personalized learning experience. 

• Identifying at-risk participants: Learner analytics can help identify those who may be at risk of falling behind or not completing the course or training. This information can be used to provide additional support or interventions to help these participants succeed. 

• Improving engagement: Learner analytics can help facilitators identify areas where participants are disengaged or struggling to understand the material. By adjusting instructional strategies or providing additional resources, facilitators can improve engagement and performance.

Engageli: A Platform for Learner Analytics

Engageli is an active learning platform that incorporates learner analytics to enhance the online learning experience. One of the key features of Engageli is its use of learner analytics to provide facilitators and instructors with real-time data on participant engagement and performance. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to analyze participant data and provide insights into learning behaviors. This information can be used to adjust instructional strategies, provide targeted feedback, and improve learner outcomes.

Engageli also incorporates patented table architecture and a range of collaborative tools to encourage engagement and interaction. Participants can participate in group discussions, collaborate on projects, and receive personalized feedback from facilitators. These features help to create a more interactive and engaging learning environment for participants.

Below are some of the many types of data Engageli collects and measures.

Speak Time Analytics

Speak time is an important element of learning. Not only does talking help participants process the information presented during a session, it also promotes peer-to-peer learning and builds connections and community. Opportunities for discussion at Engageli's tables provide participants psychological safety and time to reflect and collaborate on the concepts presented. 

Measuring speak time helps facilitators understand the participation equity of participants in the class. It can also help facilitators redesign their sessions by incorporating additional time for group activities to increase speaking time and overall engagement. Reviewing the total participant speaking time vs. facilitator speaking time can help determine the proportion of direct instruction during a session.

Raise Hand Analytics

Engageli’s Raise Hand feature allows participants at tables to address the larger group from the podium. Facilitators can use this data to track engagement during their sessions and answer questions such as:

• Which participants are participating in the session (and which are not)?

• Am I, as the facilitator, actively involving my participants in the session by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and asking them to share?

Chat Analytics

Chats can make virtual learning more efficient as questions are answered in real-time in context with instruction. Chat messages increase opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration, as well as participant-to-facilitator interaction. Chat also allows participants who are not able to turn on their microphone or camera to still actively participate in the session by sending messages, uploading materials, collaborating with their tablemates, and engaging in community-building or other learning activities.

Poll Analytics

Polls can be presented in the session material as checks for comprehension and engagement in real-time. Using polls provides facilitators an opportunity to adjust the pace of the session and can foster a discussion about the results in an effort to make the material more understandable. Polls also help facilitators determine learning gains, engagement, and if individual attention is required.

Enhancing Virtual Learning Through Data and Analytics

In conclusion, learner analytics can be a valuable tool for enhancing virtual instruction. By analyzing participant data, facilitators can gain valuable insights into participants’ learning behaviors and adjust their training and instructional strategies as needed. Engageli is the one platform that incorporates learner analytics to provide facilitators with real-time data on participant engagement and performance. This platform can help facilitators and facilitators personalize instruction, identify at-risk participants, and improve engagement, leading to better learner outcomes.