Using the problem based learning method and educational technologies to teach open data: A design-based research approach

Eleni Dermentzi; Maria Zotou; Efthimios Tambouris; Konstantinos Tarabanis

doi:10.1007/s10639-022-10995-9

Using the problem based learning method and educational technologies to teach open data: A design-based research approach

Educ Inf Technol (Dordr). 2022;27(6):8859-8882. doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-10995-9. Epub 2022 Mar 21.

Authors

Eleni Dermentzi¹, Maria Zotou², Efthimios Tambouris³, Konstantinos Tarabanis⁴

Affiliations

¹ Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, City Campus East, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST UK.
² Information Systems Lab, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Street, GR-546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece.
³ Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Street, GR-546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece.
⁴ Department of Business Administration, University of Macedonia, 156 Egnatia Street, GR-546 36 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Abstract

With Open Data becoming more popular and more public bodies publishing their datasets, the need for educating prospective graduates on how they can use them has become prominent. This study examines the use of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) method and educational technologies to support the development of Open Data skills in university students. The study follows a Design Based Research approach and consists of three phases: a) examination of stakeholders' needs, b) design of an Open Data module, and c) re-design of the module based on the outcomes of its first run. The data collected throughout the three phases come from various sources, namely interviews with practitioners, focus groups with students, and tutors' reflection. The findings suggest that while the PBL method is suitable for Open Data education, special care should be taken to ensure that the potential of educational technologies is fully realised. The study concludes with design principles that aim to guide instructors on how they can incorporate the PBL method and digital tools into Open Data education effectively.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10639-022-10995-9.

Keywords: Design based research; Educational technologies; Higher education; Open data; Problem-based learning.