The object of the Big Data Analytics and Anonymization lab is to conduct research in the field of large scale data management and analysis in conjunction with privacy protection of this data with the view to understand student behavior and interaction both with their peers but also with the teaching staff. The desired outcome is to be able to make decisions that will benefit not only the students by improving the learning process but will also enable the faculty, administration and the institution to take steps that will elevate the services it provides.
In a few words, what we endeavour is to take advantage of sources of data within our student and teaching population which we believe are appropriate for the application of Learning Analytics techniques. We then apply these techniques in order to detect actionable and novel patterns, which will offer us a deeper understanding of the educational process and how it can be improved. This process requires specialist knowledge of the techniques and the tools involved, as well as being knowledgeable about the field in which the techniques will be applied and any special requirements that apply to this specific field.
The lab is committed to delivering high end research, developmental, educational as well consulting work in the areas of Data Science, Data Mining and Privacy Preservation for the support of the research and educational actions of the School of Sciences and Technology, as well as of the Hellenic Open University as a whole.
