10.3.1 Digital analytics

Digital analytics are available for evaluating numbers visiting a site, their geographical location (according to a given IP address) and the kinds of device being used to access your course. The digital analytics available to you will vary enormously depending on the platform you are using and the permissions you have been given to view this kind of data. Whether you have permission to view this kind of data or not, the chances are that this data will exist in any case.

Figure 2 Screenshot of typical Google analytics report.

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The image shows a Google analytics report. It is titled ‘Audience overview’. It is a graph, and there is a blue line which depicts number of visits. The blue line is level for the majority of the graph and then it peaks towards the right-hand side.

Figure 2 Screenshot of typical Google analytics report.

Knowing what kind of analytical information will be available to you before you decide (or agree) to write your course is helpful if you are required to demonstrate impact or have a personal interest in the reach of your course. Some platforms will charge for this kind of information or offer a sliding scale of analytical information.