Collecting and Visualising Learner Data with Google Data Studio
In September 2020, Winyama expanded the accessibility of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia through the launch of IMW Australia - On Demand - a digital learning platform that hosts specialised Indigenous mapping training. Learn more about the platform here.
The platform, which is now accessible for approved participants, collects learning data over the various stages of engagement on the platform.
These data primarily include information about the learner’s progress throughout a course, environmental factors such as geographic location and popular times for activity, and the frequency of help and support requests.
It is important to track these data types to ensure that learners are receiving the right amount of support throughout their learning journey, and to help inform decision making when updating and amending the platform and its courses.
However, there are some limitations and challenges viewing these data through the platform’s internal data display. Being presented with numbers and figures is great, but it rarely tells the whole story, or the specific details required.
Winyama’s IT Services Coordinator, Tim Cable, has created a process using Google Data Studio to amalgamate the different sources of IMW Australia - On Demand’s data into visually appealing and palatable monthly reports.
We have broken down why using tools like Google Data Studio are beneficial for visualising crucial educational data.
Limitations and challenges
OpenEdx software, which IMW Australia - On Demand is built upon, provides an internal tool for displaying raw learner data. While there is a time and place for viewing large amounts of raw data, this method was not useful for tracking learner progress and identifying where communication and intervention is necessary.
The internal data display provided two main limitations: data filtering and irrelevant data.
Data filtering and static data
Without access to API keys we found ourselves unable to securely request streaming data directly from the platform. We found that the data was displayed on a monthly basis without the capacity to reflect trends over time. Additionally, it was difficult to filter data to view specific outcomes which impacted our ability to identify our learners’ pain points or specific successes.
Irrelevant data
During the lead up to the launch of IMW Australia - On Demand the platform had been through a series of beta testing, and much of the data from this process subsequently filtered into our learners’ data.
To ensure data is not altered or fabricated, some sets of data within the platform are made immutable and thus, cannot be deleted. This skewed our learner data and left us with two choices:
Manually adjust the data with each analysis, or;
Devise an alternative solution for accurate visualisation.
We addressed both of these obstacles through using Google Data Studio.
Google Data Studio
Google Data Studio is a free tool that transforms raw sheets of data into customisable dashboards and reports that are easy to understand and distribute.
By defining a regular reporting period and ingesting the relevant data to this frequency, we overcame the limitations of the static data. Now, we can deliver up-to-date and trending information across each of the areas we deem to be a priority.
Data is ingested to the studio via Google Sheets, where datasets are updated on a weekly and monthly basis.
Similar to how GIS software can be used to visualise geographic data sets, run analysis, tell stories and publish maps, we use Google Data Studio to visualise data sets, run analysis, create new metrics and publish reports.
Mutual benefits
Ensuring our learners have the most positive learning experience on our platform is at the core of what we do.
Implementing Google Data Studio makes it easier and more efficient for us to determine where we need to improve and drive action for our cohort. Additionally, it provides easy and effective reporting to secure additional support from stakeholders.
These benefits directly impact learner experience on IMW Australia - On Demand. We now have the ability to identify trends, make adjustments, create personalised communication or provide congratulations where necessary.
Do you need help visualising and optimising your data? Our team can help you to build your own data visualisation tool specific to your needs.
Winyama uses Google Cloud Products and has a Google Cloud Certified Collaboration Engineer in the team. We would love to meet with you and discuss how tools such as Google Data Studio can work for you and your next project.