Embedded learning analytics - Pros and Cons

With access to the internet, online learning has become a convenient way for adults and children to learn and, in turn, this provides an opportunity for teachers to collect data on student learning. Learning analytics is the collection of data of a student’s academic performance, and analyzing it to determine trends and patterns that reveal areas which need improvement. Learning analytics has become a way to use online learning to capture data to assess learning. One reason why school district use learning analytics tools is to determine potential problem areas of each student and allows teachers to address identified areas of concern. Benefits of using learning analytics for the teacher is that the data provides insight to the learner’s ability and allows for individualized learning plans. In contrast, the challenges may be that the data does not include external factors that may affect the learner, the capacity to collect analyze data could be limited for school districts due to funding and the staff’s understanding of the next steps based on the data received is a challenge. In addition, when using an online environment to collect data, a breach in the security of the platform is a concern

Learning and Assessment Environment - IXL

We have been using a program called IXL to complement our math instruction at the elementary level. Students are assigned lessons based on the results of an IXL diagnostic or a teacher assigned skill that corresponds to the lesson taught. As the student completes the lesson, the IXL collects data for questions answered and questions missed. The IXL platform includes a dashboard with classroom and individual learning analytics that the teacher uses to drive math instruction. IXL also has a real-time diagnostic that indicates a student grade level and their levels on each learning standard. This allows teachers to differentiate, group students with similar levels, and shows the teacher the most common skill recommendations.

Teachers use this information to differentiate instruction and to look for strengths and weaknesses in student learning. These analystics are used  to monito student progress throughout the year. Teachers can assign a different learning standard for independent work based on the student’s need, highlighted in the data.

IXL IXL - Monitor readiness for high-stakes assessments with state standards alignment

IXL - Grid to highlight trouble spots for students for grouping

https://www.ixl.com/analytics