Explore how actionable, just-in-time data dashboards can enhance data-informed decision making in online learning. Examples from faculty development and institutional trends will be showcased.

Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of online learning, timely and actionable data is essential for informed decision making. As educational institutions increasingly adopt online modalities, the ability to swiftly interpret and respond to data can significantly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of online learning programs. This session will delve into the creation and utilization of just-in-time data dashboards that provide crucial insights for stakeholders at various levels within the institution. Importance of Just-in-Time Data Dashboards Just-in-time data dashboards are dynamic tools that present real-time or near-real-time data in an accessible format. These dashboards are designed to support decision makers by: - Enhancing visibility: Providing a comprehensive overview of key metrics and trends. - Facilitating timely interventions: Allowing stakeholders to promptly address emerging issues or capitalize on opportunities. - Supporting continuous improvement: Enabling ongoing assessment and refinement of online learning strategies. Case Studies We will examine two practical examples from Northern Illinois University (NIU) that demonstrate the power and utility of these dashboards: 1. Faculty Development Dashboards: Our faculty development dashboards offer detailed insights into participation in professional development activities, engagement metrics, and outcomes. These dashboards help in identifying areas for improvement, recognizing high-performing programs, and tailoring support to meet faculty needs. - Data Points: Number of workshops attended, feedback scores, engagement levels. - Impact: Improved targeting of professional development initiatives, enhanced transparency and awareness of scope of faculty development offerings. 2. Institutional Online Learning Trends and Highlights: This dashboard provides an overarching view of the online learning landscape at NIU, including enrollment statistics, course completion rates, and student feedback. - Data Points: Enrollment trends, demographic breakdowns, completion rates, satisfaction scores. - Impact: Strategic planning for course offerings, resource allocation, and policy development. Components of Effective Dashboards For data dashboards to be effective, they should be: - User-friendly: Intuitive interfaces that make it easy for users to navigate and interpret data. - Customizable: Flexible configurations to meet the specific needs of different users and departments. - Real-time: Regular updates to ensure the data reflects the current state of affairs. Implementation Strategy The session will cover the implementation strategy for these dashboards, including: - Data Collection: Integrating data from various sources such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), survey tools, and institutional databases. - Data Processing: Ensuring data quality and consistency through automated cleaning and validation processes. - Dashboard Design: Utilizing visualization tools to create clear and actionable representations of data. - User Training: Equipping stakeholders with the skills and knowledge to effectively use the dashboards. Challenges and Solutions We will discuss common challenges in implementing just-in-time data dashboards, such as: - Data Integration: Combining disparate data sources into a cohesive system. - User Adoption: Ensuring that stakeholders embrace and consistently use the dashboards. - Data Privacy: Protecting sensitive information while maintaining transparency. Solutions to these challenges will be explored, drawing on best practices and lessons learned from our experiences at NIU. Conclusion By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how just-in-time data dashboards can transform decision making in online learning environments. Attendees will gain practical insights into the development and implementation of these tools, supported by real-world examples from NIU's faculty development and institutional trends dashboards. Call to Action Participants will be encouraged to consider how similar dashboards could be developed and utilized within their own institutions to support data-informed decision making. Resources and further reading materials will be provided to facilitate continued learning and implementation. Session Format This 45-minute session will include: - Introduction (5 minutes): Overview of the importance and impact of just-in-time data dashboards. - Case Study Presentations (20 minutes): In-depth look at NIU's faculty development and institutional online learning trends dashboards. - Interactive Demonstration (10 minutes): Live demonstration of the dashboards, highlighting key features and functionalities. - Q&A and Discussion (10 minutes): Open floor for questions, sharing experiences, and discussing implementation strategies. Join us to explore how actionable data can drive the future of online learning at your institution.