Monitoring eLearning environments through analysing web logs of institution-wide eLearning platforms

Paul Lam
Centre for Learning Enhancement and Research
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Christina Keing,
Information Technology Services Centre
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Carmel McNaught, Kin-Fai Cheng
Centre for Learning Enhancement and Research
The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Monitoring the use of web technology in teaching and learning activities at an institutional level can provide universities with valuable data to guide policy decision-making for eLearning support services. Like many other universities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has centralized support to teachers and students through the provision of eLearning platforms, and training and educational advice on eLearning strategies. The paper examines how the logs kept in the centralized platforms support the University in monitoring eLearning at an institutional level. The logs provide information on three common areas of interest concerning web use: its popularity, nature of use and the engagement of the participants. The paper also illustrates, with data from the University, the analysis and reporting that can be done with the logs to enrich our understanding of the University’s eLearning in these three areas.

Keywords: eLearning, institutional level, monitoring, platforms, logs, staff development