Question

While the use of big data will matter across sectors, some sectors are set for greater gains. In your opinion, will the use of big data matter in higher education? Why or why not? Please provide concrete examples for illustration.

Answer 1

The use of big data matter in higher education matters more when taken in a right spirit, such as –

-          Usage of Big data for massively open online courses (MOOCs) for the data intensive analysis and research by considering the ‘Veracity’ element of the Big Data, which means the usage of various data sources to build upon the knowledge. The larger data set can be collected in the learning environments as well as the learning experiences from the learners and provide the contextual information. This gives opportunity to learners in competency-based learning, faster communication, in depth analysis and diagnosis of the needs for learnings or skill sets, cost reduction and usage of game-based environment for complex learning areas

-          The big data can assess the complex skills by having the more learner to learner interactions, in turn helps in collaborative skills and provides digital assessments

-          Researchers can collect every minute details about the learners and gives opportunity to analyze the learners’ information longitudinally

-          This enhances to reconceptualization and creation of the new curriculum for the learners