Evolution of E-learning
E-learning has evolved from its initial stage of using standalone computers and devices for delivering multimedia content to a more comprehensive and integrated virtual learning system. With cloud-based learning management systems, e-learning is likely to gain more popularity. Today, increasing number of institutions is adopting it to achieve excellence in educational practices.
Increasing use of advanced LMSs, both for academic learning and professional training purposes, leads to capturing and storing huge volume of user data and content, analyzing which can play a vital role in the development of e-learning.
What is Big Data?
The term ‘Big Data’ is used to refer large and complex data captured, curated, and drilled down for analyses using advanced computing technology. The big data analysis reveals industry trends and user behavioral patterns and establishes logical association among data. With increasing use of internet and growing demand of e-learning in academics as well as corporate training sectors, big data and analytics can play a crucial role in the benefit of e-learning.
Relation between E-learning and Big Data
Now, when we have a clearer idea of what big data is and the growing importance of e-Learning it becomes easier to understand the relation between the two.
E-Learning process is based on various instructional design (ID) principles. E-learning methodologies and practices, as these depend extensively on computing technology, are designed based on scientific analyses of human cognitive skills, mental ability and behavioral traits. These ID principles are practically tested and revised to improve their pedagogical effectiveness by reducing external loads that possibly affect learning.
Distance learning, virtual classes and cloud-based knowledge sharing are growing trends in the field of modern education. In addition to traditional classroom-based study, web-based and cloud-based e-learning models throw a challenge to universities and institutes in dealing with the ever-growing pool of student/learner data. However, with data analytics integrated in LMSs such as Edbrix, electronic learning can be more effective and enjoyable. The LMS analytics can capture data and unfold patterns and associations among complex data sets. Learner data analysis from cognitive, emotional and behavioral perspectives can, therefore, largely benefit the e-learning industry.
How integrating analytics with LMS facilitates e-learning
Integrating analytics with learning management system leads to more comprehensive and in-depth evaluation of users’ interaction with the system. LMS analytics produce information that helps administration in making decisions and policies that will benefit students and the process of learning in general.
With advanced LMS analytics presenting data in easy-to-understand graphical chart format, it becomes easier for faculties and administrators to monitor and measure students’ performance and assess them more accurately.
Cloud-based learning systems combined with advanced data analytics is sure to take e-learning to a new height in the coming years. While cloud storage eliminates the need for local data server and larger storage as number of students grows analytics provides deeper insights on learner data, both individually and collectively, for better decision-making and policy-making.
Educational institutes need LMS analytics that can analyze and evaluate huge amount of data using techniques like data mining and statistical analysis with focus to the core process of e-learning, which is learning and delivering knowledge.
Faculties, educational administrators as well as professional trainers can leverage the information produced by LMS analytics in measuring the impact of e-learning and work for betterment and growth of it.
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