| | December - 20198IN MY OPINIONBig Data Integral to University MissionsWhile universities mine data to tailor student advising and educational experiences, there are other vitally important higher education issues involved. As big data becomes increasingly important in the business world, employers are seeking individuals skilled in finding, understanding and visualizing data to create complete information landscapes for strategic business decisions and directions. To meet this demand, universities must have the resources and infrastructure to support the education of students for these roles, both as undergraduates and in graduate programs.Big Data resources at the university are also important for recruiting and retaining top faculty. Faculty across a variety of disciplines involved in research will come and stay at your institution only if they have fast access and the best tools to work with data, store data, and share data with other researchers. All this must be accomplished, while not only providing the computing power and access to Big Data, but minimizing risk and ensuring security.Cloud Computing & PedagogyWhile all three categories of Cloud Computing, are important in higher education this discussion focuses on Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud software can assist faculty in utilizing best practices associated with pedagogy in both online courses and in the blended classroom. The changing environment in education is continuously moving towards greater reliance on technology for engagement and delivery methods requiring speed, agility, variety and reliability.Utilizing an online service, a small number of faculty members or even a single faculty member, may be able to test a new service without a large investment in hardware, software or human resources that would usually be required with a local installation. Very By Elias G. Eldayrie, VP & CIO, University of FloridaHigher Education Challenges: Big Data; Cloud Computing; Information SecurityElias Eldayrie
< Page 7 | Page 9 >