Can Google Analytics Certification Cultivate PR students’ competency in digital analytics? A longitudinal pedagogical research

Abstract: This longitudinal pedagogical research investigates students’ perceptions and learning outcomes by integrating web and social analytics-based learning activities (i.e., Google Analytics courses and certification test) into Public Relations Research course design. Results from the pre-test before introducing the analytics learning assignment confirmed that students’ knowledge on web and social analytics is low but their desire to learn is high. Results from the post-test after passing the certification test indicated students are eager to have more experience-based learning activities in order to apply knowledge related to web and social analytics in public relations research and practice. More pedagogical recommendations are discussed.