Peer Review

Open Data Handbook

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The Open Data Handbook contains guides, case studies, and resources for governments & civil society on the "what, why, & how" of Open Data. The Open Data Handbook is licensed under a Creative Commons (CC-BY) Attribution 4.0 International license.
Type of Material:: Online Reference Material
Recommended Uses:: This resource can be used as a reference for information and resources regarding open data as well as a teaching tool to understand the different components of open data.
Technical Requirements:: Internet access.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The primary goal of this online resource is to provide information, training and aditional resources regarding the use of open data.
Target Student Population:: College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional, government employees.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: None.

Rating:
Strengths:: The source is easy to use, provides a good background to the subject, and gives step-by-step instructions for anyone wishing to embark on an open data quest. It is translated in to almost two dozen languages. The additional resources are extensive.
Concerns:: While the resource has an almost unlimited number of uses, it requires some sophisticated imagination and know-how to make the best use of the information. This isn't matter of finding the answer per se, but finding out how to find the answer. Some users will be disappointed when they go to the site expecting to have the work done for them. It is theirs to do.

Rating:
Strengths:: As a map or guide, the material is invaluable as a how-to starting point. The material itself is easy to understand and follow. Sophisticated users will get the most out of this material and be able to build on previously learned skills.
Concerns:: The material is not for the novice or for the beginner, even though the material gives the impression that it is. This is an extensive guide so an instructor might want to idenify which portions of each section she would want her students to review.

Rating:
Strengths:: Very easy to use,the layout is simple and the writing is clear and written in everyday language. There are numerous links to expand on certain topics or provide a definition for certain words. The materials almost two dozen languages is a plus for anyone living anywhere wanting to use the material. It is engagingly written, lively, even funny.
Concerns:: Not all the links work.