http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/11/16/more-training-is-key-to-better-school-data-use/ Just another eSchool Media site Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:37:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/11/16/more-training-is-key-to-better-school-data-use/comment-page-1/#comment-167568 cnealon Mon, 19 Nov 2012 21:09:43 +0000 http://www.eschoolnews.com/?p=117067#comment-167568 Building the capacity to analyze data largely depends on the human element. Yes, data are becoming progressively more intelligent and better at analyzing itself; however, humans still need to identify what data is relevant, and to whom it is relevant. In some instances, we want data to be as specific as possible, but other times we are interested in general data figures. The trick is to allow data access to the pertinent users while not jeopardizing the privacy of the individuals sampled. Governmental policies and procedures toward data collection and compilation will play a decisive role into the data systems of tomorrow, but the human element of collecting and directing data is a process that does not need to wait for the political process. The creation of a digital student portfolio would not only enhance a teacher’s ability to specialize the attention given to each student, but it would also enhance each student’s feeling of accomplishment and self-worth. Building the capacity to analyze data largely depends on the human element. Yes, data are becoming progressively more intelligent and better at analyzing itself; however, humans still need to identify what data is relevant, and to whom it is relevant. In some instances, we want data to be as specific as possible, but other times we are interested in general data figures. The trick is to allow data access to the pertinent users while not jeopardizing the privacy of the individuals sampled. Governmental policies and procedures toward data collection and compilation will play a decisive role into the data systems of tomorrow, but the human element of collecting and directing data is a process that does not need to wait for the political process. The creation of a digital student portfolio would not only enhance a teacher’s ability to specialize the attention given to each student, but it would also enhance each student’s feeling of accomplishment and self-worth.

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