Using analytics to determine action, affect change, and measure success

In 2014, the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus IT unit, Technology and Learning Services (TLS), initiated a project to determine the needs for additional Teaching and Learning support. At that time, there was a clear... [ view full abstract ]

In 2014, the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus IT unit, Technology and Learning Services (TLS), initiated a project to determine the needs for additional Teaching and Learning support. At that time, there was a clear voice from key faculty members to develop a pilot support program. As often happens, the most confident and popular perceptions set direction. To our dismay, the program did not fit the needs of most of our faculty. In 2015, a new approach was put into place - Analytics.

Many of us work in an environment where the collection of data is a certainty, however opportunities to take that data and turn it into useful information are often overlooked. In this session, participants will learn how we found, composed and curated sources of data that resulted in the creation of powerful analytics. Interestingly, the data often lead us to an unforeseen path, however the process of using analytics provided us the insight necessary to direct resources in the most effective way. This presentation will demonstrate how these analytics reshaped the program and altered preconceived notions, leading to purposeful change on the Augustana Campus. Furthermore, the methods used to validate success and improve the effectiveness of our DidUKnow technology training initiative will be examined.