Reflect on how information (data) plays a role in decision making, and why understanding data and sources of data are important.
As I reflect on the what I have learned so far about data and the importance of its collection and use, I feel it should definitely play a role in decision making. Data is valuable as it provides valuable insight and specificity. Leaders who don't keep this data in mind will do the organization a huge disservice. First of all, an organization must understand its demographic completely in order to best serve them. Collecting data from students provides that true picture of who they are and what their needs are. Decisions such as which technological devices to purchase or which programs to purchase licenses for will definitely be better made when collected data is carefully analyzed.
The organization I am a part of seeks to provide a personalized learning experience for every learner. If we did not collect a significant amount of data about each learner, then we would be ill-prepared to provide a personalized learning plan. As a classroom educator, it is my job to learn all I can about each learner in my classroom. If I am to create a targeted action plan, then I need to know all their strengths and deficits. I couldn't possibly provide specific intervention or extension without that valuable data. Currently, we use MAP testing and the data collected is swift and extremely helpful for me as their teacher. It tracks the skills which are mastered as well as deficits in skills. Within hours I have given a test, collected specific data, and can target learning goals for personalized learning plans accurately. This data is likely the most accurate and specific academic data I will obtain about my students. It is true that it isn't the only form of data I will want to collect, but it is definitely valuable. Overall, I feel that the collection of data is extremely important and the decisions at this point should be in how to best collect and utilize the information in the most efficient and secure way possible. Consideration of systems which will provide an organization with a detailed data collection plan such as "big data" analytics would serve to benefit both educators and learners.