Demystifying big data

As technology has improved, so too has our ability to mine and store data. Where once the inputting of data into computers was a deliberate, time-consuming process, it is now a by-product of our digital interactions. We play a crucial role in creating the data that fuels the digital economy. However, tapping and mining that data has previously been limited to large organisations with sophisticated data mining and analytic technologies. These tools will quickly disseminate to the mass market. The data-curious educator needs to both reflect on the role of data on practice and scan the technical horizon for new technologies. This chapter will demystify these new technologies and highlight approaches that can proactively improve practice.