[Proposal] Learner Activity Feed

[SantiagoSuHe]

Abstract

We propose the creation of a learner-facing Activity Feed within Open edX that provides real-time visibility into a student’s engagement, progress, and ongoing effort across courses. Inspired by motivational tools in modern learning apps, this feature will help learners track their activity, celebrate milestones, and stay engaged throughout their learning journey.

Detailed Product Proposal

https://openedx.atlassian.net/wiki/x/NYBPKgE

Context & Background (in brief, if a Product Proposal is linked above)

Current learner dashboards in Open edX are static and limited to traditional indicators like grades and completion status. These do not reflect ongoing effort, engagement patterns, or partial progress. As a result, learners lack continuous motivation and actionable feedback to guide their learning process. Additionally, current views and tools are not designed for external celebration, limiting opportunities for learners to showcase their progress or connect with others—both powerful drivers of motivation.

Unlike Open edX, many modern learning and consumer apps have implemented lightweight motivational tools that track streaks, micro achievements, participation milestones, and effort over time. They present these moments in a feed style interface that not only helps learners visualize their ongoing commitment but also provides low-effort opportunities to celebrate and (optionally) share progress.

Scope & Approach (in brief, if a Product Proposal is linked above)

Design and implement a learner Activity Feed integrated into the learner’s profile or course dashboard. This feed will show motivational and progress-related events such as:

1. Streaks: Daily active: "You were active today!"
2. Milestones: Assignment progress: "You’ve completed 75% of the course assignments."
3. Thresholds: Discussion participation: "You’ve posted 10 times in forums."
4. Designations: Role/status: "You are now a Community TA."

Value & Impact (in brief, if a Product Proposal is linked above)

Metrics for success:

• Increases in daily active users and course engagement rates.
• Improved course completion and retention statistics.
• Learner-reported motivation and satisfaction (via user interviews and analytics).

Impact:
The Activity Feed will transform the Open edX learner experience by introducing lightweight, visually compelling, and psychologically informed motivators creating an environment that values incremental progress as much as end goals, aligning with proven strategies from leading learning apps.

Milestones and/or Epics

• Stage 1: Daily Streak Tracking & Widgets – MVP delivery of streak recording and widget display.
• Stage 2: Basic Activity Feed – Integration of milestone events to create the v1 feed.
• Stage 3: Public and Shareable Activity Feed – Optional sharing and peer discovery.
• Stage 4: Platform Configuration and Admin Controls – Site-level toggles, customization, and integration with Learner Profile MFE.
• Stage 5: Feature Expansion – Exploration of daily quests, leaderboards, and activity-driven notifications.

Named Release

Ulmo / Verawood

Timeline (in brief, if a Product Proposal is linked above)

The initiative will evolve incrementally, starting with low-fidelity prototyping and usability testing in mid-2025 (Q3-Q4), leading to an MVP for streak tracking in late 2025, and full Activity Feed rollout in 2026. Further enhancements (Stages 4 and 5) will follow based on learner feedback and engagement metrics.

Proposed By

Schema

Additional Info

Proposal: Learner Activity Service APIs – Alternative technical approach considered.

[github-actions]

Thanks for your submission, @openedx/openedx-product-managers will review shortly.

[jmakowski1123]

Related to #376