As learners use World Wide Web-based distance learning systems over a period of years, large amounts of learning logs are generated. An instructor needs analysis tools to manage the logs and discover unusual patterns within them to improve instruction. However, logs of a Web server cannot serve as learners' portfolios to satisfy the requirements of analysis tools properly. To resolve this problem, a data cube model is proposed to store learning logs for analysis. The paper also depicts the query language used to retrieve information from the database in order to construct the data cube. Data cubes and database technology are used as fundamental analysis tools to satisfy a distance learning instructor's requirements for managing and analyzing learning logs. Topics discussed include background on the difficulties in constructing an evaluation mechanism in current Web-based distance learning systems, a group discussion example, and system architecture. Three tables present data from the group discussion. Three figures illustrate managing the group discussion records by data cube technology, the visualization of the results, and the system framework. (Author/DLS)