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xAPI Data Flow

This interactive diagram illustrates how xAPI (Experience API) events flow from student interactions with a MicroSim all the way through to analytics dashboards. Understanding this data flow is essential for instructional designers who want to track learning effectiveness and optimize educational content.

About This MicroSim

The diagram shows five key components in the xAPI data pipeline, arranged from left to right:

  1. Student - A learner interacting with the MicroSim on their device (clicks, drags, inputs)
  2. MicroSim - The interactive simulation with xAPI instrumentation code that captures learning events
  3. xAPI Statement - The standardized Actor-Verb-Object structure that describes what happened
  4. Learning Record Store (LRS) - A secure database that stores millions of learning statements
  5. Analytics - Dashboards that query the LRS to reveal patterns and A/B test results

Interactive Features

  • Hover over any component to see its detailed description
  • Click on a component to trigger a data packet animation showing the flow
  • Watch the automatic animation of data packets flowing through the system
  • Notice the HTTPS lock icon indicating secure data transmission to the LRS

Fullscreen

Key Concepts

The xAPI Statement Structure

Every learning event is captured as a statement with three parts:

  • Actor (A) - Who did it (the learner, identified by email or account)
  • Verb (V) - What they did (answered, completed, experienced, etc.)
  • Object (O) - What they interacted with (the MicroSim, a question, a concept)

Security and Privacy

The diagram highlights security features:

  • HTTPS encryption on all data transmission
  • Lock icon on the LRS indicating secure storage
  • Data is anonymizable and compliant with privacy regulations

From Events to Insights

The flow demonstrates how raw interaction data becomes actionable intelligence:

  1. Student clicks a slider in a physics simulation
  2. MicroSim generates: "Student X attempted physics-problem-1 with value 45"
  3. Statement travels securely to the LRS
  4. Analytics aggregates thousands of such statements
  5. Dashboard reveals: "Students who adjust the slider 3+ times score 20% higher"

References