Learning Analytics for Academic Empowerment

Abstract

As higher education institutions increasingly turn to data to enhance academic outcomes and engagement, Learning Analytics (LA) emerges as a key strategic enabler. At NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), we have implemented a comprehensive Learning Analytics ecosystem that places data-driven decision-making at the core of our academic mission, guided by the principle Data with Purpose. This transformation stems from a cross-functional Digital Transformation Project, which began with process reengineering using Business Process Modelling (BPM) to streamline operations and reduce the administrative burden on faculty and staff. A robust data governance model enabled real-time integration of diverse systems and databases, laying the foundation for a suite of seven interactive dashboards. These tools deliver structured, accessible insights tailored to multiple stakeholder profiles: Faculty Cockpit empowers professors with real-time metrics on course delivery, student profiles, teaching plan adherence, and learner feedback, enabling data-informed pedagogy and reducing reporting workloads. Program Directors’ Cockpit provides a 360º view of each academic program—including applications, academic performance, satisfaction indicators, and dropout trends—supporting proactive planning and academic success. Students Cockpit offers personalized academic dashboards with information on grades, attendance, and satisfaction, promoting self-regulation and continuous engagement. BI@NOVA IMS centralizes institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas such as teaching, research, sustainability, human capital, and internationalization, providing school leadership with strategic oversight. Satisfaction Levels Dashboard allows faculty and staff to access real-time feedback from students and service users, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. MagIC BI Dashboard visualizes the research center’s performance and societal impact, including publications and contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG Contribution Dashboard, launched on Earth Day 2024, documents over 1,600 concrete actions aligned with the 17 UN SDGs, showcasing NOVA IMS’s societal commitment. These dashboards break down data silos and democratize access to meaningful information, enabling real-time, segmented insights across all user groups. From predictive models that identify students at risk to performance benchmarks in sustainability and innovation, this ecosystem has fundamentally reshaped how the institution manages learning, supports faculty, and engages students. Awarded “Best Education Project” at the 2024 Portuguese Digital Awards by IDC Portugal, this initiative stands as a scalable model for embedding Learning Analytics into the academic DNA of higher education institutions. This paper outlines the methodological foundations, technical architecture, and measurable impact of NOVA IMS’s Learning Analytics framework, offering actionable insights for institutions seeking to operationalize data as a strategic asset.