Knowledge is power: how Big Data is transforming education

Big Data is a big idea circulating in the worlds of government, business and academia which, its supporters say, promises to revolutionise the way we use information. In very broad terms it centres on the collection and analysis of large volumes of data. In this edition of Learning World Maha Barada presents three stories illustrating how it is being used in the field of education.

The Next Revolution
LW catches up with Kenneth Cukier, one of Big Data’s most high profile proponents who has written a book on the phenomenon. The American journalist explains how data, if analyzed with precision can be hugely valuable in many walks of life. A particular example is Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), in which teachers are able to assess their students strengths and weaknesses by analysing their online learning habits.

Reinventing Education:
Big Data is creating a major buzz at the Arizona State University, where the learning process is now digital and fully customized, using softwa