Why Data Analysis Is Essential for Educational Institutions?

In the digital age, the most precious commodity is data. Data is being collected from all sources, including when you fill a form, switch on your smartphone location, or search for anything on the internet. The question is how this data can be used to benefit you in the long run.

Educational institutions received a massive number of applications for admissions every year. Last year, over 700,000 students applied to undergraduate programs in the UK. All the data is shared with the Government of the UK by the University irrespective of the outcome of the application. But why is having big data important for educational institutions?

Following are some ways big data can make a big difference:

Data Analysis For Students

The information collected from students before their induction and during their studies can help understand what variables are responsible for the development and achievement of the student. It can help redesign the curriculum to suit the needs of the students based on their reviews and performance.
Students’ data can also be used to prescribe future studies to them looking at their current academic outcomes. It can also help in career counselling to the students, guiding them to pursue jobs in fields that suit their personal characteristics and subject knowledge.

Data Analysis For Participation In Teaching

Data of incoming, current and previous students can help professors and educational administers spot potential teachers and coaches. They may analyse the data to re-evaluate the examination criteria and grading policies and make necessary changes to incorporate new and improved methods to assess students’ performance.
Teachers can use the data to monitor their own performance as well. They can identify which teaching strategies have worked out well for which kinds of students. It can help them tweak their teaching methods and maintain a record of continuous improvement.

Data Analysis For Management Of Educational Institutions

Data analysis of students extends beyond their academic results and includes their attendance, punctuality, behaviour and social competence from their participation in extra-curricular activities.
All this information can be used to help students having trouble with acclimatising themselves to the university environment. It can help track their problems and help them to discover avenues where they are comfortable to participate.

Data Analysis For Technology Procurement

Data of students who use certain devices, technologies, and tools for personal and academic purposes can be used to identify which tools work well for the students and produce desired outcomes. The decisions to procure software for research, content creation, reporting and assessment can be taken by looking at how the previous tools have produced results. Students’ reviews and recommendations can also be useful in arranging the best digital tools available in the market.

Data Analysis For Talent Acquisition

Educational institutions not only provide educational services to students, but they also provide relevant talent to the industry. All industries are dependent upon the quality of graduates produced in the universities. The institutions publish graduate directories and make them available to head hunters and companies looking for fresh graduates. The directories from previous years can also help locate graduates with a few years of experience for middle management positions.
Even if a person is not currently a resident in a certain country, the data from his/her academic period and work experience can be used to offer jobs in the country, especially if the skill set sought by the company is not common.

Data Analysis For Government

Educational institutions can present the data of students’ performance with the Government to inform them of the probable workforce available in certain industries in the upcoming years. The Government can then modify its policies to facilitate the employment of the freshly graduated students at that time.
It will also help the Government to plan ahead and revise its policies to subsidise or tax certain programs to maintain the supply-demand balance in every industry.
Data Analysis for educational institutions is crucial for selecting the fields and