The design of a learning analytics pedagogical dashboard to enhance instructors’ facilitation in an online asynchronous problem-based learning environment

Problem-based learning (PBL) refers to small group collaborative learning situations where students solve complex problems with the assistance of teachers who serve as facilitators. Scaling PBL using technology requires specific tools since online asynchronous PBL can increase the number of small groups that engage in the curriculum but poses challenges to PBL teachers who must attend to multiple groups. To address the problem, we have been researching how technology can be used to develop specific tools to extend expert teachers’ instructional capacities. Building on previous work, we present the most recent design of a pedagogical dashboard used in an online asynchronous PBL environment. We illustrate how the new pedagogical dashboard visualizations can support PBL instructors observing individual student learning activities, diagnosing group dynamics and intervening when necessary. Copyright © 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.