Moodle for Learning Analytics and Institutional Research: Exporting Data via SQLs and Plugins

Abstract

Nowadays, an increasing number of institutions have begun using learning management systems (LMSs) for online learning, due in particular to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moodle is one of the major open-source LMSs, and is used in many institutions. Although Moodle is able to produce and store robust learning logs, the reporting feature is somewhat deficient. In this study, SQL database queries are used with plugins to gather data directly from the Moodle database. As a result, five SQLs were designed for learning analytics, and four for institutional research. Each report generated from SQL cannot be produced by the standard Moodle report features. Furthermore , SQL plugins have certain specific features for reporting, such as filtering usernames and access restrictions. Although there remains some room for improvement, such as the visu-alization of reports and enhancement of performance, this SQL-based reporting would be useful for Moodle-based learning analytics and institutional research.