Learning Analytics: The Impact of Digital Tools in Upper-Level and Graduate Courses

Abstract

Colorado Technical University (CTU) harnesses adaptive learning, accompanied by learning analytics in online courses that engage thousands of students quarterly. Approximately 600 CTU faculty have participated in the use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom. Learning analytics applied to information gleaned from data dashboards provides visibility and insight concerning our students’ level of progress when enrolled in a course. This study focused on learning analytics capturing student success factors, including student engagement, timeliness of assignment submission, assignment grades, and student progression (persistence to next term) in four upper-level and graduate business courses. Additional information analyzed consisted of CTU Messenger data, end-of-course surveys with insights extracted from instant messages, and recorded student and instructor feedback throughout a course. Recommended strategies informed by findings that can lead to improved student outcomes are also detailed.

Keywords

• adaptive learning
• learning analytics
• digital tools