Big data analytics seems to be the new thing in fashion when it comes to modern education. Even though very few understand well the concept of using large amounts of data sets to uncover patterns and take conclusions from them, classrooms are been invaded by computers, tablets, cameras, microphones, and other gadgets, from primary schools to universities.
As a consequence, teachers are having to adapt to a new demand that is coming from a high-tech professional world and the unique characteristics of Millennials and Generation Z. There is also a crescent need to stimulate and embrace diversity in the educational system, which could be better achieved by using the insights that big data analytics can provide.
Educational institutions would have their classrooms filled with cameras, microphones, and other gadgets capable of collecting data provided but everything that is done or said in that area. Classes would also be fully computer-based. All information gathered by the tech devices is then processed and analysed so find out the best ways to teach and support the students’ learning process.
The use of big data analytics will empower educators with the means to collect valuable data regarding the way that each student learn. This way they will be able to adapt their curriculum to general and specific needs so to achieve better results.
The amount of information collected might be too high to educators cope with and for them to adapt as fast as they should. The students and staff's privacy and the system security also are top concerns.
On the good news side, big data analytics will bring to the classrooms the possibility of creating and organising classes that will meet the needs of each student. The era of dumping concepts into student’s heads and then just asking them to reply back will be gone as teachers will be able to see what each student needs and to provide them with the correct resources.
Learning disabilities will be spotted sooner, and students will enjoy more flexibility in the classrooms compared to what happens in traditional education. And as the new generations are being born with a smartphone in their hands, they are likely to be happy to deal with more and more gadgets in school as well.
It is very easy to conclude that privacy and security will be top concerns of those trying to implement big data analytics in the educational system. With classrooms full of cameras and microphones, it is raised a major worry about what is going to be done with all information collected from them. Plus, when it comes to schools, these data will be coming from under-age students, whose future can be compromised by a breach of security.
Of course, schools will probably be backed up by contracts signed by parents allowing them to do implement big data analytics in their class.
Â
