Big data is becoming a much-talked-about phenomenon across different fields, from marketing to IT. There’s an abundance of information on mining data resources, but the effect of analytics is only seen if it can bring meaningful change.
As far as eLearning is concerned, you have to ask yourself what you will do with the charts and stats. If you need to learn how to manage big data in eLearning effectively, here are some tips that you can use.
- Find resources for your key data.
According to the reports of the , many eLearning professionals have a problem with where to get big data. Rather than trying to choose the best source, try to broaden your scope more and get a large amount of data. No matter how large the data is, you can always narrow it down. You can look into some data resources: focus group findings, website stats, social media polling, learning management system analytics, etc.
- Have clear objectives for your data
You must make sure you clearly define the objectives and goals for the data you are collecting. Why are you collecting it? What goal do you want to achieve from analyzing the data? For instance, if the objective is “Employee Skill Management,” you have to be clear on the skills that need improvement and the metrics that define improvement.
- Rationalization of data
It is essential to rationalize your big data. The truth is, not all data that you gather at the point can be useful to you. Some of the data will be actionable in line with your set objectives or goals, and some won’t. This is why you have to rationalize your data depending on your objectives and goals of your analysis.
- Narrow down the data
Once you have your data resource, you should compile the data/information you need and narrow it down.
Some data will have more value than others to you depending on what you need at the time. This is why it is essential to set your objectives first to know which data you need. Make sure you are specific.
For instance, if the goal is to improve employee performance, you have to identify the tasks or skills to focus on and measure their proficiency levels. However, the fact that you aren’t using the data now doesn’t mean you won’t use it later.
- Use data analysis tools.
After collating the data, you need the right data analysis tool to analyze the data. Most of the time, corporate Learning Management Systems (LMS) come with analysis tools for big data. However, if it doesn’t come with a data analysis tool, then you need to get other third-party tools such as Google Analytics to get the work done. This will help you get an idea of the interaction of your student with the online course.
- Look for patterns and trends in eLearning
As you analyze your data, patterns and trends in eLearning will start to emerge.
If you choose data to address your objectives and goals, you will get your answers from these trends and patterns. For example, LMS analytics may make you realize that your simulations are too basic. This would mean that learners don’t get as much experience and skills to boost their performance. So you must add more realistic elements in your eLearning and conduct a thorough analysis of your tasks.
As stated in an eLearning help with dissertations and dissertation writing service, not every trend you notice in your analysis and ideas comes to mind at the time. After analyzing the data, take those notes and create your next line of action.
- Create a priority list
Having several goals to reach means that you have to create a priority list for your big data. This will allow you to focus on one thing at a time. Look up the most urgent problems, address them first, and determine which problem can wait for the longest. If there are issues stopping your online learners from fully enjoying the benefits of the online course, you should deal with them immediately.
For instance, if a module is too challenging, it can easily frustrate online learners. This will decrease their engagement and motivation. Carry out an analysis of your online learners’ feedback, identify their problems, and seek to improve the overall course.
- Protect your big data
Big data is an asset that you should passionately protect as it is precious. Make sure you encrypt your source and verify all your information. According to the reports of the data security from Essaygeeks, retailers use security measures like data masking to ensure the safety of their consumer information. As an eLearning professional, you must do the same as well. Ensure your learner information is secure. Be sure to put authentication protocols and secure connections in place.
- Know when to or not to outsource
You can manage your big data by yourself if you have enough resources, but if you are working with limited resources, then you should try to outsource it. The good thing is, numerous big data consultants can do the work well for you. These consultants can help with monitoring and analyzing your information. They can help you discover other sources of data that are untapped. Chief data officers can help you boost the ROI from your eLearning by helping you to identify areas where you can improve and pinpoint patterns that you missed.
Conclusion
Managing and analyzing big data is vital for everyone in the eLearning industry. You have to use big data to bridge performance gaps and improve tasks’ proficiency, especially if your current strategy isn’t producing these results.
