Dan Potter
Head of Kineo Courses at Kineo AU
We all know that data is valuable. It can reveal hidden patterns and connections between individuals and groups, and is set to play a significant role in developing and customising the rapidly expanding digital learning space. Importantly, data can help improve employee compliance by optimising the learner experience.
So how can you make the most of this precious resource? Data used to be regarded as complex, dynamic and hard to analyse; seemingly the stuff of sci-fi movies. But learning management systems and other business tools make it easy to manage and learn from your data. Best of all, you don't need a PhD in data analytics to make sense of it all.
Use data to follow the learner's journey from start to finish
From the moment a user begins a course, their elearning experience is tracked. This allows you to gain insight into what's working, what's not, and what could be improved. Analysing user data makes learning patterns visible, and a user's interactions with an learning system can show whether the content is engaging or is missing the mark. It also suggests where changes could be made. For example, if the data shows a consistent dropout or high incompletion rate at a specific point, the content probably isn't working as intended. By closely analysing such data, the elearning course can be improved so it's more engaging and delivers better results for the users and the organisation alike. These results invariably include improved compliance.
Personalising the elearning experience for individuals and groups
Personalisation is a big focus for digital learning platforms. We all have different learning styles, and data-based insights and analytics can reveal how a user interacts with a course. This information can then be used to better understand individual needs. Personalised data can uncover learner preferences (e.g. the ideal time of day to use the system), effectiveness and learning experiences, preferred module engagement and effectiveness, and gaps in their training or learning. And by segmenting and analysing your data you can gain valuable insight into the needs of specific groups or teams, and decide what tools and information are most useful to them.
This personalisation and even individualisation makes training more effective and engaging, which, in turn, leads to improved learner outcomes and consistent employee compliance.
Data shouldn't be an afterthought
To make the most of your elearning data, you must make it a priority. Include managing and analysing user data in your business planning, and make sure it's correctly stored and refreshed. When new content is rolled out, make sure the user experience is carefully monitored and the data closely analysed, then use the results to help improve the content, make your digital learning platform more usable, and forecast future user needs.
Dan Potter
Head of Kineo Courses at Kineo AU
Dan heads up Kineo Courses globally and has been involved with elearning and platform development since early 2000s. He is passionate to demonstrate real and measurable impact through learning and technology and inspired to deliver elegant solutions that need minimal explanation.