Understanding Learner Behaviour in Online Courses through Learning Analytics
D. Thammi Raju
*
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
G. R. K. Murthy
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
S. B. Khade
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
B. Padmaja
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
B. S. Yashavanth
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
S. Ajay Kumar
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
S. K. Soam
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
Ch. Srinivasarao
ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Building an effective online course requires an understanding of learning analytics. The study assumes significance in the COVID 19 pandemic situation as there is a sudden surge in online courses. Analysis of the online course using the data generated from the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS), Google Forms and Google Analytics was carried out to understand the tenants of an effective online course. About 515 learners participated in the initial pre-training needs & expectations’ survey and 472 learners gave feedback at the end, apart from the real-time data generated from LMS and Google Analytics during the course period. This case study analysed online learning behaviour and the supporting learning environment and suggest critical factors to be at the centre stage in the design and development of online courses; leads to the improved online learning experience and thus the quality of education. User needs, quality of resources and effectiveness of online courses are equally important in taking further online courses.
Keywords: Learning analytics, learning behaviour, perceptions, Google analytics