5 Key Learning Metrics To Track In A Learning Management System

5 Key Learning Metrics To Track In A Learning Management System
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Summary: Learning Management Systems give you the power to track every aspect of your online training program. But are you taking advantage of all the reports and analytics it has to offer? In this article, I'll share the top 5 learning metrics to track in your LMS.

Sources Of Big Data In Online Training: Top 5 Learning Metrics To Track In A Learning Management System

Modern LMS solutions are full of Big Data. In fact, there aren't enough hours in the day to scrutinize every graph, chart, and statistic in the Learning Management System. Which means that you have to be choosey about which LMS reports you analyze on a regular basis. Thankfully, there are some go-to LMS metrics that stand out from the crowd. Here are the top 5 learning metrics that you should monitor in your Learning Management System, as well as tips to help you identify other sources of Big Data for your online training.

1. Completion Rates

Corporate learners access your online training course but are they actually completing the online training modules and activities? Or do they click away before they have a chance to absorb and assimilate the information? Completion rates indicate the level of learner engagement, motivation, and participation. Low completion rates tell you that corporate learners aren't invested in the online training experience. It may also be a sign that they are unaware of the benefits and real-world applications. High completion rates reveal that corporate learners know what's at stake and are ready to invest time and effort into the online training course.

2. Learner Performance And Progress

This learning metric is usually divided into two distinct categories, both individual and group. Individual learner progress and performance reports give you a detailed look at how each corporate learner is faring. For example, whether they successfully completed their online training certifications or how they scored on a recent task assessment. Then, there's the group overview. This may feature charts and graphs that cover specific trends. For instance, you discover that 55% of your corporate learners still need to complete the monthly compliance module. Both of these learning metrics allow you to track the effectiveness of your online training course, as well as learner engagement.

3. Learner Satisfaction And Approval

Do you really know how your corporate learners feel about the online training course? Are they getting the information they need, or do they expect more from the online training experience? Satisfaction and approval ratings give you a glimpse into the minds of your corporate learners. This usually comes in the form of surveys, polls, and questionnaires. However, you can also conduct focus groups and interviews, and upload the data to the Learning Management System to compile it. Thus, you have the power to explore your corporate learner motivations in order to create more meaningful online training content. For instance, the ratings show that your corporate learners are unhappy about the level of interactivity. You can incorporate more serious games and virtual simulations to solve the problem using one of the latest eLearning authoring tools. That can help you create engaging and interactive online training content in an easy and cost-effective way.

4. Instructor And Manager Ratings

Online instructors, managers, and other members of your leadership team play a crucial role in online training. They motivate and inspire your corporate learners to actively participate, as well as lead their subordinates by example. Their approval ratings give you a clear indication of how well they are fulfilling their role within your online training program. For example, corporate learners may reveal that the online instructor isn't interacting or connecting with them on a regular basis. In response, you can schedule more live webinars or video conferences to open up the lines of communication, or set up a closed social media group where they can address concerns and ask questions. Once you collect all the data, meet with your leadership team to share the results and identify areas for improvement.

5. Learner Competency And Proficiency

This particular learning metric usually applies to compliance and task-based online training courses. Corporate learners must be able to show that they have the skills and knowledge they need to achieve the desired outcome. For example, health and safety compliance metrics disclose that employees are unfamiliar with disposal protocols. This could lead to costly violations and put your staff in harm's way. As a result, you can integrate online training tutorials, walkthroughs, and simulations to build their experience and competency levels. You're also able to pre-assess corporate learners to gauge their current proficiency. Then, follow up with final assessment to track their improvements.

Does Your LMS Feature Customizable Metrics?

Some LMS solutions offer customizable reports that allow you to set the evaluation parameters. For example, one of the biggest challenges facing your organization is real-world application. Employees are learning the information, but they aren't able to put it into practice at work. As a result, you may want to focus on their performance during interactive online training activities, such as branching scenarios and task simulations. This gives you a clear indication of where corporate learners are struggling and how you can remedy the issue. For instance, provide them with supplemental online training resources to bridge the gaps or build the necessary skills. Customizable LMS reports give you the ability to monitor their performance behaviors so that you can achieve the desired results.

Other Sources Of Big Data

In addition to your LMS, there are also other resources to consider. Website analytics and social media stats allow you to track learner engagement outside the traditional online training environment. For example, you can monitor informal and social learning activities. Workplace evaluations, business reports, and focus group findings are also great sources of Big Data. As a matter of fact, you may want to use these tools to supplement your learning metrics. Especially if your LMS has limited reporting and analytics features and you need to fill the gaps.

Are you already checking these learning metrics? Or do you still need to add them to your weekly agenda? One of the most effective ways to ensure the effectiveness of your online training is to tap into your Big Data resources, such as LMS reports. So, take full advantage of this valuable data mining opportunity.

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