Are you looking to make an impact in education using data?
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology – Learning Analytics program at UW–Madison is a fully online and skills-based degree designed for working professionals. Offered through the nation’s No. 1-ranked Department of Educational Psychology, the program is led by world-class faculty who give students the skills and tools to use data to help improve educational outcomes in a range of learning environments.
Participants also collaborate with students in their program cohort and build vital professional relationships.
Following is a Q&A with Matthew Boutilier, who graduated from the Learning Analytics master’s program in 2023. Boutilier previously earned an undergraduate degree in biblical studies from the Moody Bible Institute.
How did you get interested in the field of learning analytics?
Boutilier: Working as an administrator in online education at a university. I was interested in learning more about how to evaluate student performance and design intervention strategies to help students be successful in enhancing student persistence and retention.
How did you decide that UW–Madison was the right place to pursue this degree?
Boutilier The reputation of UW–Madison. I was influenced by my initial interactions with the admissions team and my discussion with (program director) Julia Rutledge. I knew from that moment this was the right place for me.
What are you doing professionally today?
Boutilier: I am transitioning to a new position as the director of online curriculum and instruction at Oakton College in Des Plaines, Illinois.
What was your most meaningful experience with the Learning Analytics program?
Boutilier: The most meaningful experience I had was understanding how important it is to not only see “what” is happening from a learning perspective but “why.” Data only tells part of the story. Learning how to ask the right questions about the data and how to analyze it according to a well-thought-out plan was a high point for me.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Boutilier: Two, actually. Dr. Libby Pier and Dr. Maria Widmer. Not only are these individuals highly competent, but they are also professionals who care about their students. I was encouraged by their care, how they provided meaningful, constructive feedback on assignments, and how they both just wanted you to be the best you could be. Dr. Pier, in particular, would provide extensive announcements each week highlighting things students did or said. They are both outstanding educators!
How, if at all, has the Learning Analytics program at UW–Madison helped you get to where you are today?
Boutilier: It provided me with the tools I needed to bring an analytic mindset to how we understand what is happening with student learning, as well as how to effectively present it so that stakeholders can understand it in a meaningful way to take action collaboratively.
What are your future goals or plans?
Boutilier: I would love to continue integrating my analytics toolbox to further enhance the online curriculum in my future role at Oakton College. My goal is to help ALL students be successful in their programs and to gain meaningful vocations.