Introduction

Data-driven decision-making is essential for nonprofits that provide online education and training. By integrating Moodle with Power BI, organizations can analyze student engagement, track course performance, and optimize learning outcomes.

This guide will walk you through:
✅ Why integrating Moodle with Power BI is beneficial for nonprofits.
✅ Step-by-step instructions on connecting Moodle to Power BI.
✅ Pre-built reports and dashboards you can create.
✅ Troubleshooting common issues.

Let’s get started! 🚀

Why Integrate Moodle with Power BI?

Moodle provides basic reporting features, but Power BI takes data analysis to the next level with:

📊 Advanced Data Visualization

✔ Interactive dashboards with filters, graphs, and drill-down insights.
✔ Custom reports that combine multiple data sources beyond Moodle.

📈 Deeper Learning Analytics

✔ Track student progress in real-time.
✔ Identify struggling learners before they fall behind.
✔ Measure the impact of nonprofit training programs.

🔗 Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365

✔ Embed Moodle reports directly in Microsoft Teams for quick access.
✔ Export reports to Excel, PowerPoint, or SharePoint.
✔ Use Power Automate to set up alerts and triggers.

How to Connect Moodle with Power BI

1️⃣ Set Up Moodle Data for Power BI

Before connecting, you need structured Moodle data that Power BI can analyze.

🔹 Option 1: Use the Moodle Analytics API (Best for live data updates)
🔹 Option 2: Export Moodle Data to a SQL Database (Best for larger datasets)
🔹 Option 3: Use Moodle Plugins like "Power BI Moodle Reporting" (Easiest method for nonprofits)

For this guide, we’ll use Option 3 since it’s the simplest way to get Moodle data into Power BI.

2️⃣ Install the Power BI Moodle Reporting Plugin

To extract and visualize Moodle data, install the Power BI Moodle Reporting plugin.

✅ Log into Moodle as an Admin
✅ Go to Site Administration > Plugins > Install Plugins
✅ Search for "Power BI Moodle Reporting" and click Install
✅ Configure the plugin with:

• Database Connection (Moodle’s SQL database)
• Report Types (Student progress, course analytics, user activity logs)

🔹 Alternative: If you use Azure SQL, you can connect Power BI directly to your Moodle database without this plugin.

3️⃣ Connect Power BI to Moodle Data

Now, we’ll bring Moodle data into Power BI.

📥 Import Data from Moodle

✅ Open Power BI Desktop
✅ Click Get Data > Database > MySQL (or Azure SQL, if applicable)
✅ Enter your Moodle database credentials
✅ Select tables like "mdl_course", "mdl_user", "mdl_logstore_standard_log"

🔹 Tip: If you installed the Power BI Moodle Reporting plugin, simply choose "Power BI Service Dataset" as your source!

4️⃣ Create Interactive Moodle Dashboards in Power BI

Find a few examples below of reports that can be built using information from Moodle

📌 Dashboard 1: Student Engagement Overview

📊 Metrics to Include:
✔ Number of active vs. inactive learners
✔ Average course completion rates
✔ Top courses by student enrollment

📌 Dashboard 2: Course Performance Analytics

📊 Metrics to Include:
✔ Pass/fail rates per course
✔ Dropout trends over time
✔ Course ratings and feedback

📌 Dashboard 3: Instructor Effectiveness Report

📊 Metrics to Include:
✔ Average time instructors spend grading
✔ Student feedback on instructors
✔ Instructor response time to questions

🔹 Embed Reports in Microsoft Teams: Share Power BI reports inside Teams channels for real-time access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

🚨 Issue 1: Power BI Can’t Connect to Moodle Database

✔ Verify your Moodle database credentials.
✔ Check if your database firewall allows Power BI access.
✔ Try using ODBC drivers for MySQL if the direct connection fails.

🚨 Issue 2: Reports Aren’t Refreshing in Power BI

✔ Enable scheduled refresh in Power BI Service.
✔ Use Azure Data Factory for real-time sync.

🚨 Issue 3: Moodle Data Doesn’t Match Power BI Reports

✔ Ensure your Power BI queries exclude duplicate or test users.
✔ Filter out old/inactive courses that may skew data.

Conclusion: Transform Nonprofit Learning with Power BI

By integrating Moodle with Power BI, nonprofits can gain deeper insights into their e-learning programs, ensuring better engagement and improved outcomes.

🔹 Nonprofits can now:
✅ Track student progress and intervention needs.
✅ Improve course effectiveness using data-driven decisions.
✅ Share learning insights with stakeholders through interactive reports.

🚀 Ready to try it? Follow this guide, set up the Moodle-Power BI connection, and start visualizing your nonprofit’s impact!