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Big data – disruptive, distracting or adding value?

Alex Katsomitros
Journalist, The European
Stimulus Paper, April 2017

Big data – disruptive, distracting or adding value?

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Summary
This paper aims to encourage a debate on big data, which is timely and important, as universities increasingly operate in a new era where the old rules do not apply. In the knowledge economy, data is the new currency.

Specifically this Stimulus Paper maps uses of data that create, directly or indirectly, value for education providers, with an emphasis on online education. It presents various pathways currently being explored by universities, for example massive open online course (Mooc) providers. It uses short case studies to illustrate the challenges and opportunities that arise. These provide useful insights into information governance, ethical debates and untapped potential that, if harnessed appropriately, could be transformative rather than being seen as disruptive.

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