Analysis of a Digital Tool For Long-Term Monitoring of Study Circles

Nevenka Bogataj

Summary:  The systematic monitoring of adult education over 30 years is both a rarity and a strength, which we present in this paper. The content and technical analysis of the online monitoring tool for study circles, called ESK, has two objectives: to check if the (old) tool is still relevant for monitoring of study circles and to establish the base for updates. Frequencies of all indicators in the report about study circles were the basis of evaluation of the usefulness of the ESK tool. It was confirmed for all its expected roles. However, we identified also shortcomings of a technical, contextual and organisational nature. The proposals for updates are substantiated with data that provide insight and understanding of long-term fluctuations in the characteristics and needs of adults in Slovenia. The analysis contributes to the insights into longitudinal dynamic of the structure of participants, study circles´functioning and their learning outcomes.