The possibilities and limitations of applying ‘open data’ principles in schools

Journal article


Selwyn, Neil, Henderson, Michael and Chao, Shu-Hua. (2017). The possibilities and limitations of applying ‘open data’ principles in schools. Cambridge Journal of Education. 47(2), pp. 167-187. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2016.1143449
AuthorsSelwyn, Neil, Henderson, Michael and Chao, Shu-Hua
Abstract

Large quantities of data are now being generated, collated and processed within schools through computerised systems and other digital technologies. In response to growing concerns over the efficiency and equity of how these data are used, the concept of ‘open data’ has emerged as a potential means of using digital technology to democratise data access and use within whole school communities. Drawing on participatory design research in two Australian secondary schools, this paper explores the possibilities of making existing school data openly available in digitised form for teachers, administrators and students to access, interpret and use. The results of these interventions – while only partially successful – provide valuable insights into the technical, informatic, organisational and social issues surrounding the use of data in schools. The paper concludes by considering the practical and theoretical limitations of attempting to democratise data engagement within school settings.

Keywordsdata; schools; digital technology; open data; participatory design; school democracy
Year2017
JournalCambridge Journal of Education
Journal citation47 (2), pp. 167-187
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN1469-3577
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2016.1143449
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84959059384
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range167-187
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online23 Feb 2016
Publication process dates
Accepted08 Jan 2016
Deposited11 Nov 2021
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8x078/the-possibilities-and-limitations-of-applying-open-data-principles-in-schools

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