Using Google Analytics to Understand Online Learning: A Case Study of a Graduate-Level Online Course

This study seeks to explore the potentials and limitations of using Google Analytics to analyze and visually display learning analytics in the context of advanced degree online programs. Using a graduate-level, open-access online course as a case, this study has reported key statistics regarding learners' demographics, online learning behaviors, and technology use over a period of three and half years. The findings are expected to demonstrate useful features of Google Analytics and its visualization tools, extend our understanding of learners' online learning behaviors at the individual course level, and inform the design and development of online educational resources and websites for collegiate contexts.