Learning analytics can provide useful indicators that your students could benefit from a nudge. For an example scenario, read the story below.

At the end of the first week of class, I look at resources. I want to know: are my students viewing the syllabus? Are they viewing the pages that tell them how the course is going to operate?

list of resources.png — *"Resources" list: the "Course Syllabus" resource has only been accessed by three students out 28 total.*

If it looks like some students may not have accessed the syllabus, I might give them a gentle nudge. In New Analytics I can “Message Students Who” didn’t open the syllabus or the Getting Started module and send this message:

Subject: Start strong: review the course syllabus

Message: Be sure to review the course syllabus. It will tell you everything you need to know about my expectations, how the course is structured, as well as resources available to help succeed in this class!

Message Students Who-2.png — *"Message Students Who" window: the message would be sent to students who didn't view the "Course Syllabus."*

Keep in mind that how you deliver your course syllabus might impact the data generated. The built-in Canvas Syllabus tool or a Canvas Page in a Module will generate data every time a student opens the syllabus. A PDF or Microsoft Word doc located in Canvas Files and added as a module item or linked in a page (with or without file preview on) will generate data every time a student opens it, however, if they download the document, it will not generate data when a student looks at the downloaded file on their device. A Google Doc embedded in a page will generate data when students view the page, however, if it is added as an externally linked module item, it will not generate any data.

Get help

Review the following Canvas Guides for more information:

How do I send a message to all students based on specific course criteria in New Analytics?