Analytics that Inform the University: Using Data You Already Have

Authors

  • Charles Dziuban University of Central Florida
  • Patsy Moskal University of Central Florida
  • Thomas B. Cavanagh University of Central Florida
  • Andre Watts University of Central Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v16i3.276

Keywords:

Action analytics, Big data, Top-down/bottom-up, Online courses, Impact evaluation, Actionable research

Abstract

The authors describe the University of Central Florida’s top-down / bottom-up action analytics approach to using data to inform decision-making at the University of Central Florida. The top-down approach utilizes information about programs, modalities, and college implementation of Web initiatives. The bottom-up approach continuously monitors outcomes attributable to distributed learning, including student ratings and student success. Combined, this top-down/bottom up approach becomes a powerful means for using large extant university datasets to provide significant insights that can be instrumental in strategic planning.

Author Biographies

Charles Dziuban, University of Central Florida

Charles (Chuck) D. Dziuban is Director of the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he has been a faculty member since 1970 teaching research design and statistics. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. Since 1996, he has directed the impact evaluation of UCF’s distributed learning initiative examining student and faculty outcomes as well as gauging the impact of online courses on the university. He was named UCF’s first ever Pegasus Professor for extraordinary research, teaching, and service and in 2005 received the honor or Professor Emeritus. In 2005, Chuck received the Sloan Consortium award for Most Outstanding Achievement in Online Learning by an Individual. In 2010, Chuck was named an inaugural Sloan-C Fellow. In 2012, UCF initiated the Chuck D. Dziuban Award for Excellence in Online Teaching for faculty members in honor of Chuck’s impact on the field of online teaching.

Patsy Moskal, University of Central Florida

Patsy D. Moskal is the Associate Director for the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she has been a faculty member since 1989. Since 1996, she has served as the liaison for faculty research of distributed learning and teaching effectiveness at UCF. Patsy specializes in statistics, graphics, program evaluation, and applied data analysis. She has extensive experience in research methods including survey development, interviewing, and conducting focus groups and frequently serves as an evaluation consultant to school districts, and industry and government organizations. She has authored or co-authored numerous articles and chapters on blended and online learning and is a frequent presenter on research involving Web courses. In 2011, she was named a Sloan-C Fellow.

Thomas B. Cavanagh, University of Central Florida

Thomas B. Cavanagh is Assistant Vice President of Distributed Learning at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In this role he oversees the university’s distance learning strategy, policies, and practices, including program and course design, development and assessment. In his career, he has administered e-learning development for both academic (public and private) and industrial (Fortune 500, government/military) audiences. A frequent presenter at academic and industry conferences, he is an award-winning instructional designer, program manager, faculty member, and administrator. His research interests include e-learning, technical communication, and the societal influence of technology on education, training, culture, and commerce. He is also a published author of several mystery novels.

Andre Watts, University of Central Florida

Andre Watts is an Information Technology Manager in the Center for Distributed Learning at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In this role, he is responsible for daily IT administration and maintenance. In addition, he plays a major role in the Center’s data reporting activities to both internal and external constituents. His interests include academic analytics, data mining, and the evolving role of technology in the academic environment.

Published

2012-06-18

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2012)

Section

Learning Analytics: Special Issue

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