Peer Review

The Open Data Barometer

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jan 11, 2021 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The Open Data Barometer (ODB) is a global measure of how government and publishing are using Open Data for accountability, innovation, and social impact. The ODB aims to uncover the true prevalence and impact of open data initiatives around the world. It analyzes global trends, and provides comparative data on governments and regions using in-depth methodology that combines contextual data, technical assessments and secondary indicators.

Type of Material:

Assignment
Learning object repository
Reference material

Recommended Uses:

In-class
Homework
Individual assignment
Team assignment
Lecture or facilitated lesson

Technical Requirements:

High speed internet and use of database software including spreadsheets

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The learner will be able to explain the performance of governments participating in the open data movement.
The learner will be able to evaluate the results and findings to identify resources, policies, practices, and infrastructure needed for open data transformation and inclusion.
The learner will be able to analyze and compare the progress of governments in the open data movement across the globe.

Target Student Population:

Secondary education
Higher education (undergraduate and graduate)
Survey or topic course (i.e., political science, history, introduction to sociology, social problems, stratification and inequality, and social change)

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Course or subject terminology such as fundamental concepts in sociology
Ability to read and analyze tables, charts, and graphs
Understanding of statistics

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: This site allows comparisons between a number of countries and provides guidance for making governmental data available to the public. It tracks the progress countries are making toward data accessibilty. It also looks at the impact open data has on solving societal issues. Comparisons can be made across countries.
Concerns:: Suggestions for incorporating the material into secondary or college curriculum including related topics or research would support applicability and use of the site. The last report was published in September 2018. It is unclear, if updates will be forthcoming. Instructions for use are not included.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

This could be used in an advanced policy analysis or methods course as an example of how to measure and present complex data. In provides useful information and data to create awareness and understanding of the open data movement.

Concerns:

There are no learning objectives or identification of what learners will achieve by using the site
The website does not function as a stand-alone learning tool
Instructors and students will need supplemental learning materials and resources to develop prerequisite knowledge, make connections (e.g., political, historical and/or social) and re-enforce content for real world applications
No attempt is made to explain how this can be used or fit into content of an educational course

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The website is well organized, easy to use, and accessible on multiple devices
The interactive map provides a snapshot of performance data linked to dataset score breakdown and details
All hyperlinks to both internal and external sources are functional

Concerns:

There are limited resources for further inquiry or knowledge development
There are no direct links to open data available for each government or implementation category
A more detailed introduction to the website and the indicators would have been helpful

Other Issues and Comments:: This website may be considered as a supplemental resource or teaching tool for special topics or courses addressing the political, historical, and/or social issues surrounding open data or public access to information.
Creative Commons: