Learning analytics have been very popular over the last decade. Learning analytics is the measurement and dissection of data about learners used to optimize their learning experience. I have seen educators and administrators alike get so excited about learning analytics, only to realize that they have no idea how to turn them into actionable outcomes that positively affect learning. They came to me for help, and I always gave them these three tips for using learning analytics to immediately increase learner learning.

Curriculum Mapping

In curriculum mapping, we find what we have already taught learners and what to teach next. It is a collection process that analyzes the processes and assessments employed by subject and grade level for core and content. We know how effective our instructional methods were for a particular unit with learning analytics before moving on.

Personalized Learning

With the data we possess, we can analyze how certain learners performed based on their own learning patterns, considering their gifts and challenges, prior performance, and any other factors we care to monitor. We can even use learning analytics to customize learning a learner’s or group of learners’ particular interests. For example, if we see that a particular class of learners absorbed and retained the content with greater mastery when other subjects were integrated, classes were held outdoors, or using inquiry-based learning, we may decide to expand upon those efforts.

Behavior Forecasting

Learning analytics help educators determine how well learners have mastered the content and through what means so they can assess learners’ risk levels. Identifying blocks of learners who may have academic or behavioral challenges helps educators develop interventions to prevent them, and predicting success can help learners reach their full potential.

Any additional tips?