D1

When I think of data analysis I think of being able to identify, interpret and evaluate student performance. Using data to help assess progress involves collecting evidence for understanding is important in how we determine student performance. It’s a mapping of student progress and pace, checking to see if goals have been met and what direction to take in further instruction. In regard to assessments formative assignments are less tangible and low risk, what I find the most helpful in gauging level of understanding. Summative assessments, in contrast, are more precise, giving an exact score achievement as in end of unit exams. For gathering quantitative data we are looking at numbers specifically. It is a look at the progress of all students to get a snapshot of an overall product. This is important in validating the curriculum and assessments incorporated in instruction. Quantitative data is more broad in answering questions like ‘Why are some students having difficulty with the end of unit exam’. In my courses I like to use the analytics tool to be able to follow student effort, amount of login time, missing assignments and other details. In my previous online courses I taught the analytic feature looked different in Canvas than what I have now. This feature allowed me to see the number of page views per week, amount of participation in completing activities, dates students read and responded to my messages and other feedback. The Canvas tool I use now is similar and helpful in following student progress in the course. (see two images below)