background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One idea I have not seen discussed much yet is learning analytics dashboards, especially as a form of recursive feedback in online learning. In simple terms, a learning analytics dashboard is a tool that shows students their progress using data such as quiz scores, completed tasks, or time spent on activities. What makes this recursive feedback is that the process does not stop after one result. Instead, students receive feedback, reflect on it, make changes, and then receive new feedback again. It becomes a continuous cycle where learning improves step by step.

From my experience, platforms like Google Classroom or Canvas already show a simple version of this idea. For example, when you see a low score on a quiz, your first reaction is usually to go back and review the lesson or figure out what went wrong. After that, when you take another quiz or submit a new task, you can immediately see if you improved. This process of checking, adjusting, and trying again is what makes the feedback recursive.

What I find useful about dashboards is that they make progress visible. Instead of guessing how you are doing, you can clearly see it through graphs, percentages, or completion trackers. It is also helpful for teachers because they can use the data to adjust their lessons or support students who may be struggling. In this way, both the student and the teacher are part of the same ongoing feedback process.

A helpful explanation of learning analytics can be found here:

https://www.solaresearch.org/about/what-is-learning-analytics/

Overall, learning analytics dashboards may seem simple, but they play an important role in helping learners stay aware of their progress and improve over time. Because the feedback continues and changes, learning becomes more active and meaningful.

References:

Siemens, G., & Long, P. (2011). Penetrating the fog: Analytics in learning and education. EDUCAUSE Review, 46(5), 30–32. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2011/9/penetrating-the-fog-analytics-in-learning-and-education

Learning Analytics Dashboards as Recursive Feedback in e-Learning