This research proposal suggests introducing open data into classrooms to engage students and teach critical thinking skills. The CLODa project would develop lesson plans using current, relevant open data on topics like flooding maps, FIFA corruption, and open library content. It would be tested in several countries. The goals are to improve interest in core subjects, teach data literacy and computing skills, and create social value by solving real-world problems. If funded, the project would have 5 work packages, cost over 1 million Euros, and involve creating lessons, piloting them, gathering feedback, and planning further iterations.

1. Research Proposal Idea:
Classroom Learning with Open
Data (CLODa)
Marieke Guy
@mariekeguy
Open Data Institute Interview
Monday 15th June 2015

2. Premise:
We know that…
Engaging students in the learning
process increases their attention and
focus and motivates them to practice
higher-level critical thinking skills
Unfortunately…
Current lessons often fail to capture
their attention, the materials used are
old and irrelevant, and the point of
activities is unclear to the learner
? ??

3. Introducing Classroom Learning
with Open Data (CLODa):
• Current data used in classrooms is fictional (in
text books), out-of-date or self-collected
• Proposed 2 year EU-funded Project involves
using open data in classrooms as a raw material
• Data will be current, relevant and openly
available (license and format)
• Project would look at opportunities within the
existing curriculum for open data use
• Scoping would investigate subject areas,
appropriate Key Stages, country diversity etc.

4. Work Packages:
WP1: Project Management
Management of the project, finances, reporting, dissemination, community building.
WP2: Scoping and Research
Investigation of suitable subjects, Key stages and data sets.
WP3: Lesson Creation
The creation of a series of re-useable lesson plans and data bundles for use within a
specified number of subject areas and levels. All released as OERs under open licences.
WP4: Lesson Pilot
Pilot of lessons using small number of lessons in two or three countries. Use of teacher
champions in schools to deliver lessons.
WP5: Feedback and Next Iteration
Teacher champions feedback leading to scoping of larger launch

5. Example Pilot Lessons:
KS3 Geography
Flooding maps
Environment agency
OS data
KS4 PSHE
FIFA corruption
Government Spending
data
KS2 Art design/
computing
Designing posters
Open content
British library,
Europeana

6. Research topics:
• What skills and capabilities do we need to train
people in to create value from open data?
• What tools work well for users of open data?
• What are the limitations of open data?
• How can open data be embedded in the core
education curriculum?
• Can use of open data in the classroom aid data
literacy and computing skills?
• Development of Open Data Boardgame idea

7. Possible Partners:

8. Demonstrating Impact:
Improve the
interest of young
people in politics,
economics,
governance,
computing and
other core subject
areas.
Engagement
Use of open data
in solving real-
world problems
that result in
economic,
environmental,
and social value.
Social Value
Support the
teaching of other
skills including
data literacy,
programming and
logical thinking.
Data Literacy

9. Budget:
WP Approx. cost
WP1 €300,000.00
WP2 €200,000.00
WP3 €250,000.00
WP4 €200,000.00
WP5 €150,000.00
Total €1,100,000.00
WP Approx. PM
WP1 30
WP2 24
WP3 24
WP4 24
WP5 20
Total 122
Other direct costs (travel & equipment) –
€20,000.00 per partner
Total = €100,000.00
Indirect costs (fixed & recurring) –10% per
partner total = €110,000.00
Total project budget = €1,310,000.00

10. CC-­‐BY-­‐NC-­‐SA
h*ps://www.flickr.com/photos/hmns/4184567673/
“For the things we have to learn before we can
do them, we learn by doing them.” Aristotle

11. Thanks!!
Any questions?
Marieke Guy
@mariekeguy
Open Data Institute Interview
Monday 15th June 2015