For learning managers and team leaders, understanding learning management system (LMS) analytics can transform your e-learning initiatives from ‘good to great.’
With LMS analytics, you’ll uncover insights that can lead to impactful changes, ensuring your training not only meets but exceeds expectations.
In this guide, we’ll explore how these learning analytics can serve as your compass in the journey of continuous improvement and learner engagement.
Let’s get right into it.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of March 25th, 2024.
What are LMS analytics?
LMS analytics are a systematic way of measuring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting data about learners in an LMS.
This analytical process is important because it gives detailed information about learner performance, engagement, and progress.
Learning & development managers can use LMS analytics to understand their learners’ strengths and areas for improvement.
It also helps businesses and educational institutions customize their learning content and teaching methods to meet the needs of their learners.
LMS analytics turn raw data into useful information by showing learning patterns, completion rates, and other important measurements.
Stakeholders can use this information to improve course content, engage users, and create ideal training experiences.
What are some common metrics used in LMS analytics?
LMS analytics track learners’ progress in modules, offering a detailed view of their learning journey.
Below are some common metrics used in LMS analytics.
1. User engagement metrics
User engagement metrics are crucial for evaluating the success of a training program.
These metrics show how learners are participating and interacting with the course content.
Important aspects of user engagement include:
- Number of active and enrolled learners.
- Frequency of platform access and actions performed by users.
- Percentage of completed courses.
- Rate of self-enrollment in courses.
For instance, Docebo calculates an engagement index using these factors and compares it to industry benchmarks.
This shows how involved learners are compared to peers in the same field.
2. Learner satisfaction
Learner satisfaction metrics help assess the quality and effectiveness of e-learning courses from the learners’ perspective.
Learners usually give feedback through surveys or polls to provide insights on:
- Their enjoyment of and interest in the training courses.
- Difficulty levels of the lessons.
- Willingness to recommend the courses to others.
Instructional designers and L&D teams find such feedback invaluable as it helps refine and improve the learning experience.
Note: You can use tools within Docebo to create questionnaires for gathering this essential feedback.
3. Learner proficiency
Measuring learner proficiency is about understanding how well learners have mastered the course material.
These key data points include:
- Number of attempts before passing a test.
- Average scores on assessments.
- Time taken to complete tests.
For example, Docebo provides detailed information about how learners are doing so that changes can be made to the training material immediately if needed.
4. Course progress
Course progress metrics offer a comprehensive view of how learners advance through their courses.
This includes data on:
- Percentage of users who have started or completed a course or are midway through it.
- Time taken to complete courses relative to enrollment.
This analysis allows L&D managers to identify courses that are either too challenging or too easy and adjust accordingly to maintain the balance between engagement and challenge.
Note: Docebo’s user-friendly dashboards present these metrics in an easily digestible format, enabling quick analysis and decision-making.
How can LMS analytics be used?
LMS analytics are powerful tools for optimizing e-learning programs.
Let’s delve into various ways these analytics can be used:
1. Evaluate your courses
LMS analytics are instrumental in evaluating and optimizing courses. By examining metrics such as course completion rates and the time taken to finish courses, learning managers can assess course effectiveness.
LMS reports can offer insights into these aspects, allowing users to analyze:
- Active enrollments and user engagement in courses: This metric provides a clear picture of how many learners are actively participating in courses. This is crucial for understanding the reach and appeal of the course content.
- Course completion trends and rates: Are learners completing the courses promptly? Are there any courses with unusually high or low completion rates? By examining the trends and rates of course completion, learning managers can gauge the effectiveness of courses.
- Time taken by learners to complete courses or tests: Learners’ completion times for courses or tests provide insights into the course material’s complexity. Are learners breezing through too quickly, suggesting the material might be too easy? Or are they taking longer than expected, indicating potential difficulties in comprehension or engagement?
These metrics help learning managers fine-tune course content, adjust difficulty levels, and enhance overall course design for a more impactful and satisfying learning experience.
2. Spot skill gaps
Metrics like course performance in specific topics or the time taken to complete certain courses can signal areas where learners need additional support.
LMS user reports can provide data on:
- Course performance by topic: This metric reveals how learners are faring in different subject areas, allowing for targeted interventions in weaker topics.
- Time spent on specific courses: Analyzing the time dedicated to each course helps identify subjects that might be challenging for learners, signaling a need for additional resources or alternative teaching methods.
- Learning paths and progress indicators: Tracking learners’ progress through various learning paths offers insights into their overall learning journey — helping to customize future training to fill in the identified skill gaps.
Armed with these insights, team managers and L&D professionals can ensure they directly address their learners’ specific needs and challenges.
3. Improve the learning experience
Using LMS analytics, organizations can create more personalized and effective learning experiences.
An LMS user report can offer valuable data to tailor learning paths according to individual needs, leading to:
- Enhanced engagement and satisfaction: By tailoring learning experiences to individual preferences and requirements, you help learners feel more connected and invested in the content — leading to increased participation and interest. For example, analytics on forum participation can offer insights into the social and collaborative aspects of the learning process.
- Better learning outcomes: Personalized learning paths ensure that each learner receives content that is most relevant to their skills and goals — enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.
- More efficient and targeted learning experiences: With the ability to pinpoint specific needs and preferences, learning programs become more focused and efficient. This not only saves time but also ensures that resources are utilized in the most effective way to benefit learners.
4. Optimize the learning experience
Analytics also play a critical role in creating more engaging and relevant courses.
Through data analysis concerning course progress and interaction, instructors can:
- Identify underperforming courses: Analytics reveal which courses are not engaging or an ideal match for learners. This insight allows for targeted course improvements or redesigns where necessary.
- Adjust the difficulty level of courses: By analyzing course completion rates and assessment scores, instructors can determine if a course is too easy or challenging and adjust accordingly.
- Optimize course content for maximum engagement and retention: Analytics provide valuable feedback on which parts of a course are most and least engaging, enabling instructors to fine-tune content for maximum learner engagement and knowledge retention.
5. Spot retraining opportunities
LMS analytics help identify when re-training is necessary, especially for certifications and compliance training.
They help with:
- Tracking of certification expiry: Keeping track of certification validity ensures learners are up-to-date and compliant.
- Identification of learners needing re-certification: By identifying the specific individuals who need to renew their certifications, it’s easier to plan for re-training.
- Monitoring compliance training status: Analytics can highlight which learners have completed mandatory training and who may need reminders or additional support.
6. Monitor sign-ins
Monitoring sign-in rates helps in understanding user engagement levels and identifying patterns in learning behavior.
It’s crucial for:
- Tracking active user engagement: Understanding how frequently users log in provides insights into their engagement and commitment to the training.
- Identifying periods of high or low platform usage: By monitoring login trends, organizations can identify peak and off-peak usage times, aiding in resource allocation and content delivery planning.
- Understanding learner engagement trends over time: Long-term sign-in data helps educators understand evolving learner behaviors and preferences, enabling them to make informed decisions in content and platform management.
7. Tie learning to business KPIs
Linking learning to business KPIs is a major aspect of modern LMSs.
A robust LMS platform offers tools that enable to integration learning data with key business metrics to allow for:
- Data-driven decision-making: Integrating learning data with business metrics aids in making informed strategic decisions.
- Alignment of learning outcomes with business objectives: This approach ensures that learning initiatives are directly contributing to the organization’s overall objectives.
- Measurement of ROI from learning programs: In corporate training scenarios, these analytics can significantly improve the ROI by optimizing training strategies. For example, Docebo’s Learn Data tool provides a comprehensive overview of how learning and development efforts impact business performance. This helps in quantifying the return on investment in learning programs.
Thanks to these capabilities, LMS analytics can transform the approach to e-learning, making it more efficient, targeted, and aligned with organizational goals.
What are the benefits of LMS analytics and reporting?
LMS analytics and reporting offer numerous benefits, which are amplified in sophisticated learning platforms that integrate advanced LMS analytics.
These benefits include:
- Improved learning outcomes: By analyzing learner performance and engagement data, instructors can identify areas where learners struggle and adjust the course content accordingly. This leads to better learning outcomes and ensures that the learning material meets the needs of all learners.
- Data-driven decisions: With the detailed insights provided by LMS analytics, decision-makers can make informed choices about future training needs and initiatives. This approach ensures resources are utilized effectively, and learning strategies are aligned with organizational goals.
- Increased ROI on training: By understanding which courses are the most beneficial and engaging, organizations can optimize their training investments, leading to a higher return on investment.
- Better learner engagement: Analytics tools provide insights into learner behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. This information can be used to create more engaging and relevant content, thus increasing overall learner engagement and satisfaction.
- Streamlined training processes: LMS reporting and analytics tools simplify the tracking and management of training programs. They allow for easy monitoring of learner progress, course completions, and compliance with training mandates.
The bottom line
LMS analytics are crucial for enhancing learning experiences, optimizing course content, and addressing skill gaps.
LMS metrics like user engagement, course progress, and learner satisfaction help organizations make data-driven decisions that improve their training programs.
Ready to harness the power of LMS analytics? Book a demo today to discover how analytics can transform your learning strategy.