As part of their “Key Concepts of Online Learning” series, Contact North explores learning analytics, which is defined as “the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of data about learners and their contexts for purposes of understanding and optimizing learning and the environments in which it occurs.” The opportunities involved with learning analytics include gaining knowledge of what concepts and skills learners find difficult and the ability to provide feedback to course developers and instructors on the efficacy of their design.
http://www.contactnorth.ca/trends-directions/key-concepts-online-learning/learning-analytics