What do Students Find Important, When Studying in a Learning Management System? -Could Learning Analytics Benefit Students’ Learning?

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to highlight what is important for students when they study in a learning management system (LMS), as well as if learning analytics (LA) can support students’ learning in a LMS. The research questions were: 1) What do students find important when they study in a LMS?, 2) Are teachers using and enabling LA functionalities in a LMS? and 3) How can LA usage improve the usage of LA? The study was conducted through an online survey and interviews. According to the findings, the ability to do assignments at one’s own pace and whenever one wants is highly valued by students. Students stated that tracking one’s own progress in an LMS is important, and they would like a summary or an overall picture of their studies, including deadlines, the accumulation of tasks for certain weeks, and the time required for the tasks.