Overview
Courses data in Element451 enables you to leverage course-related data from your institution’s Learning Management System (LMS) or imported files. This data unlocks powerful capabilities to improve student engagement, retention, and success.
This feature provides a view-only data model for storing and using course-related information. By integrating course data into Element451, you can:
Identify and Support At-Risk Students Early: Use data like grades, attendance, and participation to create automations that send alerts, trigger interventions, and improve outcomes.
Engage and Motivate Students: Send personalized messages celebrating achievements or offering timely support like tutoring resources.
Enhance Student Access to Data: Students can view their course details in StudentHub, keeping them informed and empowered.
Create Targeted Segments: Build contact segments using course data filters (e.g., grade drops, excessive absences).
Trigger Strategic Workflows: Automate campaigns (emails, texts, push notifications) or assign tasks to academic advisors or students.
The Courses module is not a source of record. It provides view-only data pulled from your LMS or imported files, allowing you to use this data in meaningful ways. Additionally, Element451 currently supports integration with only one LMS platform.
Course Data Breakdown
The Courses module consists of three main components: Courses, Course Sections, and Enrollments.
Courses
Code | Unique identifier for the course |
Subject | Subject of the course (e.g., Math, History) |
Number | Course number (e.g., 101, 202) |
Credits | Number of credits for the course |
Type | Type of course (e.g., lecture, lab) |
Status | Status of the course (e.g., active, completed) |
Department | Academic department offering the course |
Grading | Grading method (e.g., letter grades, pass/fail) |
Course Sections
Instructor Details | Name and email of the instructor |
Term | Term in which the section is offered |
Campus/School | Location or department offering the section |
Meeting Times | Days and times the section meets |
Max Enrollments | Maximum number of students allowed in the section |
Status | Section status (e.g., active, canceled) |
Enrollments
User | The student enrolled in the course |
Grades | Current and final grades (both text and numeric) |
Attendance | Total absences and last attendance date |
Activity | Total active time spent on the course (in hours) |
Status | Enrollment status (e.g., enrolled, dropped) |
Adding + Importing Course Data
Option 1: Manually Add
You can manually add and manage courses directly in Element451.
To add a new course:
Go to Data + Automations > Courses > All Courses
Click the + Add Course button
Fill out the course details (code, subject, number, type, status, credits, grading, and departments).
Managing Data Sources: Manage your data sources for Courses, Sections, and Enrollments in Courses Settings (Data + Automations > Courses > Courses Settings). The system uses predefined data sources by default, but you can customize them to fit your needs. To override defaults, select your preferred custom source in the settings. To create new custom data sources, head to Data Sources (Data + Automations > Data Sources > Courses) and add your own.
Option 2: Integrate with LMS
Easily bring course, enrollment, and academic data into Element451 by connecting your LMS. Our integration syncs this information in real-time, giving you a current and complete view of each student’s academic journey.
Element451 imports data from your LMS but does not write back. This is a read-only connection; your LMS remains the source of truth.
We are currently in beta testing with Canvas, Brightspace, and Blackboard integrations. Support for Moodle and Open LMS is coming soon.
Use the links below to set up your LMS integration based on your provider.
[Beta] Brightspace (Article Coming Soon)
[Coming Soon] Blackboard
Accessing Course Data
You must have the Administer Courses permission enabled to access the Courses module. Contact your administrator if you do not have the necessary permissions.
Navigating to Courses
Go to Data + Automations > Courses.
From here, you can select:
All Courses: View and manage course, section, and enrollment data.
Settings: Configure data sources for courses, sections, and enrollments.
All Courses
All Courses
The All Courses tab displays a table of all courses, including details like course name, status, code, and subject.
View Course Details: Open a course to view its information and associated sections.
Delete Courses: Remove a course from Element451 (this action only deletes it from Element451, not the source system).
View Section Details: Open a section to see its details and enrollments.
Delete Sections: Remove a section from Element451 (this action only deletes it from Element451, not the source system).
Note: You cannot add or edit course data in Element451. The module is designed to display data synced from your LMS or imported files.
Settings
Settings
The Settings tab allows you to manage the data sources for courses, sections, and enrollments. By default, the system uses system data sources (pre-configured by Element451). However, you can switch to custom data sources to meet your institution’s specific needs.
System Data Sources
Course System Data Sources:
Course Statuses, Types, Gradings, and Departments
Section System Data Sources:
Section Statuses, Types, Instruction Modes, and Buildings
Enrollment System Data Sources:
Enrollment Statuses
Accessing Enrollment Data
Enrollment data can be accessed in three ways:
Enrollment by Section:
Navigate to Data + Automations > Courses > All Courses.
Locate the desired course, find the section, and open it to view enrollment details.
Student Profile:
Access individual students’ course and enrollment data from their Profile Card.
Filters + Segments:
Use course data fields (e.g., grades, attendance) to filter your contact list and create segments for workflows, campaigns, and interventions.
Student Access to Courses
Students can view their course details in StudentHub, providing them with real-time access to key information about their academic progress. Learn more about StudentHub here.
Use Cases for Course Data
Proactive Interventions
Identify students with grade drops, attendance issues, or incomplete assignments.
Trigger workflows to notify advisors or send students helpful resources like tutoring links.
Celebrate Successes
Send congratulatory messages for milestones like passing a midterm or excelling in a course.
Provide students with resources for continued growth.
Improving Retention
Use attendance and activity data to flag disengaged students early.
Automate alerts or tasks to prompt timely support.
Pro Tips
Leverage Filters: Use course data to create segments and drive engagement in workflows.
Automate Notifications: Use push notifications, email, or SMS to communicate with students based on course data.
Monitor At-Risk Students: Regularly review course and enrollment data to identify trends or red flags.
Reminder: The Courses module is designed to enhance your ability to use course-related data, not to replace your LMS as the source of record.
By combining the power of Element451 with course data, you can take your student engagement and success efforts to the next level. If you need additional support or have questions, feel free to reach out to our support team.