Variables & Analytics

Variables in CoursePipelines are powerful tools for tracking and analyzing learner progress, behavior, and performance across both courses and chatbots. They provide insight into how learners interact with your content and help measure learning outcomes.

Understanding Variables

Variables can be sourced from two main areas:

• Course Variables: Track progress, scores, and other metrics within courses
• Chatbot Variables: Monitor interactions and outcomes from chatbot conversations

Variable Types

Variables support different data types:

• Numbers: For scores, progress percentages, completion rates, etc.
• Strings: For categorical data, responses, or status indicators
• Binary: For yes/no or true/false outcomes
• Time: For duration measurements (displayed in seconds)

Variable Status

Variables can be:

• Active: Currently in use and collecting data
• Archived: Historical variables that are no longer actively collecting data

Reporting & Analytics

Each variable comes with three powerful visualization options:

1. Detailed Reports

The Variable Report view provides:

• Comprehensive statistics (count, average, min, max, median)
• Individual learner values
• Visual comparison bars
• Full data export capabilities

Access reports via:

• Direct URL: /variables/{id}/report
• Variables list view
• Embedded reports in other platforms

2. Data Visualizations

The Chart view offers:

• Bar charts for numerical data
• Pie charts for string/categorical data
• Interactive tooltips
• Responsive design for any screen size

Charts can be accessed at:

• /variables/{id}/chart
• Embedded in external platforms
• From the variables list

3. Leaderboards

For numerical variables, leaderboards show:

• Top performers with medals (🥇, 🥈, 🥉)
• Full rankings list
• Tie handling
• Score formatting based on variable type

For string variables, they display:

• Distribution of responses
• User counts per response
• Percentage breakdowns

Access leaderboards at:

• /variables/{id}/leaders
• Through the variables list
• Via embeddable widgets

Embedding & Integration

All variable views support embedding in external platforms:

• Responsive iframe mode
• Clean, minimalist design when embedded
• Real-time data updates
• Customizable display options

Embedding Example

<iframe
  src="https://your-domain.com/variables/{id}/chart"
  width="100%"
  height="600px"
  frameborder="0"
></iframe>

Best Practices

1. Naming Convention:

   • Use clear, descriptive display names
   • Keep technical names consistent
   • Include the measurement type in the name (e.g., "completion_rate", "quiz_score")

2. Data Organization:

   • Group related variables together
   • Use consistent data types for similar metrics
   • Archive obsolete variables instead of deleting them

3. Monitoring & Analysis:

   • Regularly review variable data
   • Use multiple visualization types for different insights
   • Export data for deeper custom analysis

4. Performance Optimization:

   • Archive unused variables
   • Use appropriate data types
   • Monitor update frequency