/datacommons

Course for the GSSI About Data as Commons

Data as Commons

Course for the GSSI - Gran Sasso Science Institute
An international PhD school and a center for advanced studies in physics, mathematics, computer science and social sciences.

Data as a Commons

June 12th - 15th 2023 https://www.gssi.it/seminars/seminars-and-events-2023/item/22282-data-as-commons

Course Description:

The course aims to explore the concept of data as a common resource that can be shared, reused, and collaboratively managed for the benefit of all. It is designed for students in the fields of computer science, social sciences, and related areas, with the aim of creating cross-disciplinary contamination and uniting knowledge.
The course will cover a range of topics, including open data, dataspace, civic hacking, and data visualization with the goal to delve into the importance of open data in promoting transparency and innovation, the impact of dataspace on data sharing and collaboration, and the role of civic hacking in promoting social change and citizen engagement.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, the course includes a hands-on data visualization lab in the final session.
This lab will enable participants to develop practical skills in creating value from data. By the end of the course, participants will have a deep understanding of the potential of data as a commons and the skills needed to create value from it.

Course Length: 4 lessons, each lasting 2 hours.

Lesson 1: Open Data

  • Introduction to open data and its significance
  • Types of open data and their sources
  • Benefits and challenges of open data
  • Case studies of open data projects
  • Discussion on the role of open data in promoting transparency and accountability

Lesson 2: Dataspace

  • Understanding dataspace and its importance
  • Characteristics of dataspace
  • Data sharing and collaboration in dataspace
  • Data ownership and governance in dataspace
  • Examples of successful dataspace projects

Lesson 3: Civic Hacking

  • Introduction to civic hacking
  • Importance of civic hacking in promoting social change
  • Civic hacking tools and techniques
  • Examples of successful civic hacking projects
  • Discussion on the ethics of civic hacking

Lesson 4: Data Visualization Laboratory

  • Introduction to data visualization and its importance
  • Types of data visualization tools
  • Basic principles of data visualization
  • Techniques for effective data visualization
  • Data visualization lab where students will work on creating visualizations and understanding how to derive insights from data.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the concept of data as a commons and its significance in contemporary society
  • Recognize the benefits and challenges of open data initiatives and their impact on society
  • Appreciate the role of open data initiatives, dataspace, and civic hacking in promoting transparency, accountability, and innovation
  • Learn data visualization techniques and tools to create meaningful insights from data.

Course Requirements:

  • Interest in deepening the understanding of data as a common resource and all its implications for the future of society.
  • Interest in creating value from data
  • Basic concepts of statistics (not mandatory)

Resources