VLE Learning Analytics

Student Data from VLEs

What data the VLEs collect

In order to function, a Virtual Learning Environment has to identify each user on login, and match that user identity with actions, e.g. opening a file, posting to a discussion board, completing a quiz. VLEs also record information such as login times, login duration, location, and activity whilst logged on, attendance, formative and summative grades, and other activity directly related to coursework. Only some of this data is available to staff users through the VLE interface. 

Who can see the data

Only teaching staff, designated administrative staff, and designated technical support staff can access some of this data inside the VLE.

What happens to the data 

All of this data is held securely inside the VLE database. Some grades, once finalised, may be transferred into student systems (such as EUCLID) and thus into the student transcript: this is managed locally by schools.

What staff can do with this data

In addition to the ways in which the VLE’s tools call on this data for core functionality, you can access a variety of reports and tools to gain an overview of student activity within your course, to analyse the effectiveness of specific modules or tools, and alert you to items in need of attention. This may include an alert if an individual student has not accessed the course, or a specified part of the course, for some time.

You may also extract some activity data on individual students in order to discuss that data with that student, including identifying potential support needs. 

Some anonymised and aggregated data, such as the class average score for a test, may be made available to all students on the course.

What staff cannot do with this data

You may not extract the data from the VLE and hold it elsewhere in a potentially insecure area.

University of Edinburgh Links

Report of Learn Student Data from VLEs project 2014-2015

Report of Moodle Student Data from VLEs project 2014-2015