The Open Knowledge Foundation will be re-running its one-day Introduction to Open Data on Friday 28 March.
Local governments and other organisations are looking at how they can release data they hold – unleashing creativity from local entrepreneurs, researchers, journalists, third-sector organisations and citizens, and helping to build economic activity as well as accountability and trust. The Open Knowledge Foundation’s vision of a world where open data improves lives means its job is to help get data released and used. For example, it built the software that powers the UK government’s widely-copied data portal and many others. Its School of Data works to empower civil society organisations, journalists and citizens with the skills they need to use data effectively in their efforts to create more equitable and effective societies.
The Introduction to Open Data aims to demystify the subject and give participants an understanding of the whats, whys and hows of the subject. The course is open to anyone who has an interest in Open Data in a professional capacity, and wants an introduction from one of the leading organisations in the field.
What will it cover?
The course will give an overview of the following: What is Open Data; kinds of data; Benefits of Open Data; regulatory requirements; data licensing; data quality and formats; an introduction to Linked Data; planning an Open Data project; data portals; publishing data; community engagement.
Who is it for?
The course is oriented towards organisations, such as local government councillors and officers, considering starting their own Open Data initiative. It could also be useful for organisations planning to work with or campaign for Open Data. It will be useful for those for whom Open Data is a bit of a mystery wanting to get an overview; decision makers who are supportive of the idea of Open Data, but need to understand what it will involve in technical terms; people responsible for the successful implementation of and Open Data project as well as staff who will be using or maintaing it, and anyone else interested in learning more about Open Data.
What do people say about it?
Feedback from the last session in December (above) include:
- “A great introduction to the world of open data that’s left me keen to find out even more” Saira, ONE)
- “Excellent overview of the key concepts regarding open data” (Jon Hill, London Borough of Barnet)
- “Good introduction to the most important aspects of Open Data” (Laura Meggiolaro, International Land Coalition)
Other feedback included “A good overview that contained something for everyone in a diverse audience”; “Great session, great location, great participants!”; “A great introduction to the issue. Engaging delivery, more interesting than I expected!”
What do I need?
No technical or other background is needed – just an interest in learning more about Open Data.
Registration and cost
The price for the day is £250, and an early-bird price of £200 will apply to registrations by 7 March. To register, visit the signup page. If you can’t make the date, the course will be running again on 20 May.
If you have any questions about the course, please contact training@okfn.org.
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Mark is the Open Knowledge Foundation's Open Data Evangelist. Follow him at @opendatamark on Twitter.
