Abstract
This chapter will focus on the characterization of big data and digital tools applied in postgraduate programs in Mexico. The new economic order demands from academic organizations more efficient ways in their production and transfer of teaching-learning in graduate programs in Mexico. In this chapter, an approach to big data technology and its influence on education explaining the main educational methods and new professional options derived from big data analytics is given. It discusses the technical, legal, and ethical aspects for the adoption and use of big data technology in educational institutions.
TopBig Data
Big Data (large data, large volumes of data or big data as recommended by the Fundeú BBVA Foundation) is the confluence of a multitude of technological trends that had been maturing since the first decade of the 21st century, and which were consolidated during the years 2011 to 2013, when they exploded and burst with great force in organizations and companies in particular, and in society in general: mobility, social networks, increase in broadband and reduction in the cost of internet connection, social media, internet of things, geo-location, and very significantly cloud computing.
On the other hand, Massive Data or Data Intelligence is a concept that refers to the treatment and analysis of huge repositories of data so disproportionately large that it is impossible to handle them with conventional database and analytical tools (Chen, H., Chiang, R. H., & Storey, V., 2012).
In fact, this technology deals with all activities related to systems that manipulate large data sets. The most common difficulties linked to the management of the latter are focused on the collection and storage, search, sharing, analysis and visualization of information. The tendency to manipulate huge amounts of data is due to the need, in many cases, of using such information in the creation of statistical reports and predictive models that can be used in many areas of human endeavor.
Furthermore, Big Data has been translated into personalized teaching and has focused on the constant improvement of learning methods, using one of the most important technological trends for analysis and information processes.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Postgraduate Programs: Encompass knowledge and a range of qualifications that require an undergraduate degree to be considered for entry, these include courses at a Postgraduate Diploma level all the way to a PhD. Postgraduate degrees are taken for a number of different reasons, such as to move into academia and research, to specialize a career path or to change track entirely.
Big Data: Is a recurring term when talking about technology and digitalization, its involvement in many areas of life begins to be relevant. Big Data refers to the management and analysis of huge volumes of data, which due to the magnitude of the information, exceed the capacity of data processing and should be treated in a special way.
Digital Tools: Software and platforms for teaching and learning that can be used with computers or mobile devices to work with text, images, audio, and video. Tools for language learning and teaching may include programs for editing digital materials (e.g., audio, video), and platforms for collaborating and sharing resources.