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

Module 1.1 Captioned Video: Introduction to Open Civic Data

Video Files

20MB

Module1.1_CaptionedRecording.mp4

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Module 1.1 Captioned Video: Introduction to Open Civic Data mp4 File

15MB

Module1.1_UncaptionedRecording.mp4

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Module 1.1 Uncaptioned Video: Introduction to Open Civic Data mp4 File

Script and Slide Deck

Module 1.1 Script Preview

Module 1.1 Slide Deck Preview

Script and Slide Deck Files

650KB

Module1.1Script.docx

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Module 1.1 Script: Introduction to Open Civic Data Word Document File

115KB

Module1.1Script.pdf

PDF

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Module 1.1 Script: Introduction to Open Civic Data PDF file

2MB

Module1.1Slides.pptx

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Module 1.1 Slides: Introduction to Open Civic Data PowerPoint File

727KB

Module1.1Slides.pdf

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Module 1.1 Slides: Introduction to Open Civic Data PDF File

Activity

Identifying Open Data

Overview:

In 2007, a group of advocates developed a set of 8 principles of open data, 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.

In this activity, use what you’ve learned about open data, the principles of open data, and the "characteristics handout" to identify an example of “open data” and an example of “closed data.”

Answer the following:

• Find an example of “open data." Describe what characteristics make this data “open.”

• Find is an example of “closed data." Describe what characteristics make this data “closed.”

• Are there steps that can be taken to open your “closed data” example?

Activity Files

484KB

Module1.1Activity.docx

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Module 1.1 Activity: Identify Open Data Word Document File

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Module1.1Activity.pdf

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Module 1.1 Activity: Identify Open Data PDF File

612KB

Module1.1ActivityHandout.pdf

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Module 1.1 Activity: Student Handout for Identify Open Data Activity PDF File

Additional Resources

Detroit Digital Justice Coalition Opening Data Zine | Detroit Community Technology Projectdetroitcommunitytech.org

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/

The 8 Principles of Open Government Data (OpenGovData.org)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/

Open Data Policy Hub | Why open data?SunlightCities

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/