5.3: Analysis
Provide data analysis in real-time. Other Information:
In addition, data analytics have tremendous potential to transform public and private sector decision-making. By providing
data analysis in real-time, analytics speed up the feedback loop and enable administrators and policymakers to see what data
patterns are emerging and what the trends are over time. So-called "big data" make it possible to study different areas for
insights regarding student performance, health care, energy efficiency, and public sector performance. Rather than rely on
infrequent assessments, analysts can determine what is happening in real-time and what actions are associated with the most
effective results.
Stakeholder(s):
- Teachers: In the education area, for example, the development of computerized learning modules enables new forms of assessment. Data
mining and data analytic software can provide immediate feedback to students and teachers about academic performance.
- Students
- Researchers: Researchers can analyze underlying patterns to predict student dropout rates, at-risk students, or those capable of more demanding
assignments. These approaches also can identify pedagogic approaches that are most effective with particular students.
- States: As an indication of the possibilities in the education area, schools in sixteen states already employ data mining techniques
to identify at-risk students. Using prediction models based on truancy, disciplinary problems, changes in course performance,
and overall grades, analysts have discovered that they can identify students who are likely to drop out.
- School Districts: A number of school districts have been successful in developing "risk-factor scorecards" that show who is at-risk and in need
of special assistance.
- John Wilbanks: Similar efficiencies can be gained in the health care area. Our workshop participant John Wilbanks, a senior fellow in entrepreneurship
with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, explained in the medical field that "information is available only to a small set
of people and they can pervert the process. We need data autonomy and portability."
- Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
- Medical Providers: Medical providers should build data sharing networks that enable assessment of comparative effectiveness. Right now, many
health policy decisions are based on inadequate analysis or incomplete information. Data analytics enable using information
to improve medical decision-making. There are ways to improve service delivery while simultaneously reducing costs.
Indicator(s):
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