> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/education-series/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/education-series/segment-1-introducing-civic-data/module-1.1-introduction-to-open-civic-data.md).

# Module 1.1: Introduction to Open Civic Data

## Introduction

This module introduces participants to open civic data, where to find open civic data and possible uses for open civic data.

#### Guiding Questions

* What is open civic data? 
* Where can open civic data help and how can open civic data harm?

#### Vignette

A patron visits their public library to investigate the availability of broadband Internet service. Specifically, the patron is interested in learning whether there are parts of their region where Internet access is not available. The librarian suggests that this query could be explored using open civic data and works with the patron to find the data. In the conversations between the patron and the librarian, they discuss what makes the data open civic data, where the data can be found, how such data could be helpful, and where the data could cause harm.

## Instructional Materials

### Video

{% embed url="<https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiHhyQLuCq600FlDt9jWx%2Fuploads%2FFHNSHiBG2WWIw1JbjrV0%2FModule1.1RecordingwithCaptions.mp4?alt=media&token=edf830ce-4d0b-4a5d-9ca6-7b3674f90cc1>" %}
**Module 1.1 Captioned Video:** *Introduction to Open Civic Data*
{% endembed %}

#### Video Files

{% file src="/files/tp7FYFAwnAPUoE32hvJm" %}
**Module 1.1 Captioned Video:** Introduction to Open Civic Data\
mp4 File
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/nj8co7gzE0e126baf2Lo" %}
**Module 1.1 Uncaptioned Video:** Introduction to Open Civic Data\
mp4 File
{% endfile %}

### Script and Slide Deck

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Module 1.1 Script Preview" %}
{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vyUcd68PXXAyigIz87elvPx7sR3j-n9b02fPvCaJGBY/edit?usp=sharing>" %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Module 1.1 Slide Deck Preview" %}
{% embed url="<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1F1IiQYNYQw2OQFcJsrI4lUXeSkqe18sz6RGQ1A_CqFw/edit?usp=sharing>" %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### Script and Slide Deck Files

{% file src="/files/QyUO6vbhL4dErzDTcJYK" %}
**Module 1.1 Script:** *Introduction to Open Civic Data*\
Word Document File
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/bLhN8Oy0fDVFbgN2oyYT" %}
**Module 1.1 Script:** *Introduction to Open Civic Data*\
PDF file
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/iJ4b4EO4MgOL040p8kq8" %}
**Module 1.1 Slides:** *Introduction to Open Civic Data*\
PowerPoint File
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/QlXQXjixTHZXTc7OqLcM" %}
**Module 1.1 Slides:** *Introduction to Open Civic Data*\
PDF File
{% endfile %}

## Activity

### Identifying Open Data

**Overview**:&#x20;

In 2007, a group of advocates developed a set of [8 principles of open data](https://opengovdata.org/), advancing a set of characteristics that are now reflected in the data we now access through open data portals. Indeed, data exists on a spectrum, with "open" and "closed" on the extreme ends of the spectrum and degrees of openness between them.&#x20;

In this activity, use what you’ve learned about open data, [the principles of open data](https://opengovdata.org/), and the ["characteristics handout"](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ysKP9lA_MTIjp05HKqw8JT9Ooug0LMZZ/view?usp=sharing) to identify an example of “open data” and an example of “closed data.”

**Answer the following:**&#x20;

* Find an example of “open data." Describe what characteristics make this data “open.”&#x20;
* Find is an example of “closed data." Describe what characteristics make this data “closed.”&#x20;
* Are there steps that can be taken to **open** your “closed data” example?

#### Activity Files

{% file src="/files/w3hOp641OkELpFbjFDbl" %}
**Module 1.1 Activity:** *Identify Open Data*\
Word Document File
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/3ITdv8DtcXXpY0ipV33V" %}
**Module 1.1 Activity:** *Identify Open Data*\
PDF File
{% endfile %}

{% file src="/files/qsvd6zB9OypvBZecYVmr" %}
**Module 1.1 Activity**: *Student Handout for Identify Open Data Activity*\
PDF File
{% endfile %}

## Additional Resources

{% embed url="<https://detroitcommunitytech.org/?q=content%2Fdetroit-digital-justice-coalition-opening-data-zine>" %}
The Detroit Digital Justice Coalition's *Opening Data* zine explores open data from a community-centered, human rights perspective. The zine advocates for the digital justice principles of access, participation, common ownership, and healthy communities.\
\
Citation: Detroit Digital Justice Coalition. (2015). *Opening Data.* <http://detroitdjc.org/zines/>
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://opengovdata.org>" %}
In 2007, a group of open government advocates developed a set of eight principles of open government data. This site annotates the principles and provides links to additional reading. \
\
**Citation**: *The Annotated 8 Principles of Open Government Data.* Site maintained by Joshua Tauberer. <https://opengovdata.org/>
{% endembed %}

{% embed url="<https://opendatapolicyhub.sunlightfoundation.com/why-open-data>" %}
This resource by the Sunlight Foundation articulates the value of open data and the importance developing an open data policy to support an open data initiative. \
\
**Citation**: Sunlight Foundation. (n.d.). Why open data? <https://opendatapolicyhub.sunlightfoundation.com/why-open-data/>
{% endembed %}