Open data and higher education: future gains and current practice

Abstract

The arguments which promote the use and potential of open data in education can trace their roots back to scholarly communication communities. The close symbiosis between the Web as we know it and the values and working practices of scholars in higher educational institutions has been acknowledged. The work of HEIs is complex and extends well beyond research and education. Education is a costly and increasingly competitive business. Costs are associated not only with research and education but with a vast array of back office administrative functions and demands to publish performance indicators to the public domain. This presentation will argue that HEIs are in a powerful position to couple the insights which accrue thanks to their roles as creators and early adopters of open data. Open data practices afford gains which complement the exchange of new knowledge, and the sharing of knowledge and information for public good - especially if it has been funded by the public purse. Internally, insightful use of private open data had the potential to streamline administrative and educational processes. Evolving understandings of the potential and power of data driven approaches may enable institutions to gain economic and repetitional advantage potentially driving down internal costs, streamlining aspects of the research process, making positive contributions to teaching and the support of teaching and learning, along with enhancing services which promote educational choice and student recruitment.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Su White: orcid.org/0000-0001-9588-5275

Catalogue record

Export record