Towards a Comprehensive Data Pipeline Model for Learning Analytics

Data Pipeline is a new paradigm that enables the extraction of value from data by defining a series of activities and concepts. The aim is to optimize processes and to provide direct business value by operationalizing the data science analytics outcome in a scalable, repeatable process, and with a high degree of automation. Data pipelines are the backbones of any data-based business. Learning Analytics is one of those businesses that has risen to prominence as an essential field that focuses on analyzing data related to students and their learning environments to support learning across multiple levels and assist with the making of meaningful decisions. As the volume of data generated by learners continues to grow at an unstoppable rate, the need for a data pipeline to analyze and make sense of it is becoming a matter of great interest to the whole educational ecosystem. In this context, this paper presents a comprehensive model of a data pipeline for Learning Analytics using Business Process Model Notation to serve as a reference for interested educational stakeholders who intend to adopt Learning Analytics to enhance learning and improve students’ academic results.