Cookies and bots are the tools of the trade for online marketers. But is there any way for you to use these analytics to improve your online training strategy? In this article, we’ll share seven tips to transform LMS metrics into a targeted plan of eLearning action.
How To Use LMS Metrics For Targeted Online Training Resources
Virtually every move we make in the virtual world is somehow monitored. This online surveillance is largely benign. The analytics gathered by our phones, apps, and browsers help big business, but they help us too. They examine our habits and generate the products and services we want. In the online training sphere, learning analytics help eLearning course designers put together materials that benefit online learners.
The question is: What can we measure and how can we use that information to our advantage?
- Accessibility Method
- Geographical Location
- Learning Preferences
- Activity Reports
- eLearning Assessment Results
- Social Media Activity
- Learner Satisfaction Ratings
Let’s have a closer look at each one!
1. Accessibility Method
One of the simplest things to check is how online learners are accessing your eLearning course material. You can tell with great accuracy whether they are using a laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. You can also tell the brand and model of the device. This information can be used to ensure your online training course displays well on large and small screens.
Another form of accessing analytics is the web browser. Some browsers have helpful add-ons and plug-ins. Others have inbuilt code that may prevent your online training content from displaying properly. In addition to programming your online training course for multi-browser compatibility, you can develop browser extensions. These can serve specific learner functions like conversion.
2. Geographical Location
Geotags are a vital part of SEO. They’re also used to serve targeted advertising, so a lot of people are wary of location software. We can’t live without it, though. It’s essential for map and geolocation functionality, among other things.
Geographic information can help you determine which languages your online learners are most comfortable with based on their physical location. Geographic data can also help you customize an online training course for a particular region.
You can tweak your online training content to fit in with the social mores and make it more relevant. You aren’t able to make a blanket product that pleases everyone, but you can look at areas where your online training course is popular, based on where they’re logging in. Then you can tailor your online training course to attract more local online learners.
3. Learning Preferences
eLearning is a versatile form of online education. You can access eLearning course material in video format, audio clips, web seminars, games, charts, and much more. LMS metrics will show which method is the most popular and which one your online learners bypass. It can even tell you which individual accessed which reference material. As a result, you’re able to modify your eLearning course based on learners’ preferences and behaviors.
For example, a high percentage of employees in your European branch access online training videos. Thus, you can weight their version of the eLearning course with rich multimedia to accommodate their needs.
You should still include other options for the sake of variety. Plus, they might get a new team member who’s more of a text-based learner.
4. Activity Reports
Sometimes the best way to see where someone is struggling is to watch them work. Fortunately, the LMS allows you to do just that. You can get a real-time feed of how online learners are interacting with the eLearning course. Keep an eye on which sections they’re sailing through, and where they seem to be stuck.
Of course, raw data isn’t helpful on its own. You’ll have to analyze it. Once you’ve identified areas for concern, contact an online survey to find out more and determine the cause of the problem. You can then simplify that particular section, or add reference online training materials.
5. eLearning Assessment Results
eLearning assessments are a highly useful diagnostic tool that allows you to detect gaps and identify areas for improvement. It’s best to pre-assess online learners, then conduct follow-up quizzes after each section or module. This way you have a benchmark to track their progress.
eLearning assessment results also serve another important purpose, which is to create personalized online training resources. If a high percentage of employees are unable to pass the final exam, you may want to rethink your eLearning course design.
Evaluate your current online training resources and compare them with the LMS findings. For instance, many people struggled with the simulation portion of the exam that centered on communication skills. Therefore, you should analyze the respective online training materials and search for trouble spots.
6. Social Media Activity
This metric is outside the LMS. However, it plays a significant role in creating targeted online training resources. Many users find their preferred learning platform through social media.
Also, numerous eLearning developers have active accounts and groups on social networks. These fans provide a massive pool of useful information that can improve the online training course.
You can find out what time users prefer to browse their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram feeds. This can help you pinpoint the ideal time slots for “live” real-time online sessions.
7. Learner Satisfaction Ratings
High satisfaction scores indicate that employees might like to see more of the same or online training resources that feature similar topics. On the other hand, low ratings are a tell-tale sign that it’s time for a change.
Once again, online surveys and polls can help you determine what’s best for your employees based on their preferences and goals. For example, your LMS reports reveal that online learners aren’t particularly happy with the latest compliance module.
Thus, you can conduct an online survey to detect the primary reasons why they’re so displeased, and how to improve your online training strategy.
LMS metrics and analytics aren’t just about where to spend advertising dollars. They can be priceless for your L&D efforts, as well. However, there’s a massive amount of information available. You have to know what to look for and how to use it. As you gather your LMS reports, acquire the right people and tools to make sense of it. Otherwise, you’re bound to become overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of raw data.
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