Just to make this clear, I support Open Data and OpenCourseWare Initiatives!

Some of you may wonder what Open Data and OpenCourseWare initiatives are. Well, before I continue on providing you with why I support these and why you should also, I will first explain what they are.

Open Data is a philosophy and practice that allows others to access and use data freely without the restrictions of copyright, patents and or other mechanisms of control. Open Data is has similar fundamental values and culture as othr “Open” movements such as open source. The concept of Open Data is not new and the ideology itself is very well established, however the term “Open Data” is relatively new and may be interchanged with other names such as Open Metadata. Currently there is yet to be a consistent formalization of the term used to describe this open movement. More information about Open Data can be found here.

OpenCourseWare is very similar to the Open Data philosophy; however OpenCourseWare focuses on providing high quality publications of educational material such as University course lectures, assignments and the solutions along with exams, etc. OpenCourseWare also known as OCW has an consortium behind the concept and practice to oversee the adoption and adaption of open material and ensure the long term sustainability of the initiative. The consortium is known as the OpenCourseWare Consortium.

So, why do I support these initiatives? First, you must know that I am motivated by one of my life goals which is too assist in the advancement of our planet (earth) and the human race using technology. I am sure some are wondering what the heck this goal has to do with assisting in advancement. Well, simply put – it has EVERYTHING to do with it.

I support these initiatives because I believe that knowledge belongs to the universe and its inhabitants. I am sure that my choice of the word inhabitants sounds weird and awkward too most. However, the reason I have chosen this word instead of many of others is because the universe is very large and unfortunately most of us (humans) cannot comprehend how big it really is. This leads me to my reason why I have chosen the word inhabitants over others; I believe that there could be other intelligent life in this universe other than us (human beings) on planet earth that we have not made contact with yet and vice versa. Though, one day we may if other intelligent life exists – I believe that the knowledge and data that we have gather and collected over thousands of years should be available to all capable of understanding and using the data. (Note: This is my own personal opinion.)

But why are Open Data initiatives good and should be supported? I believe that Open Data Initiatives are good and should be supported simply because it allows thousands to access data that is regularly not available unless you are the one funding the research and gathering it for a particular use. However, with the practice of the Open Data concept, we are now able to use the skill sets to manipulate the data in the way that it can be visualized and understood by many to:

  • improve life and the way we live,
  • speed research and other intel gathering, and
  • provide a visual representation of data that could make decision making an easier process with being able to visualize and analyze data sets easily.

The reason that I know the above is simply because I have firsthand experience from a project that I have been working on and developing. Unfortunately, the project cannot be explained in great detail but I do know that if the City of London Ontario currently had an open data initiative – the project would be very much further in the development and into the stages for release.

I do not support Open Data initiatives for the fact of just assisting my project(s) and making it an easy process for myself, however I support Open Data initiatives because they can be used for a the greater good of humanity and the universe.

Here is a great talk that Tim Berners-Lee did at TED on Open Data Initiatives. Once you have watched this, you will have a better understanding of what can be done once someone has been given the opportunity to use Open Data for the greater good.

But why do I support OpenCourseWare initiatives? Well, I support and believe that others should support OpenCourseWare initiatives for the same principal reason as why I support Open Data initiatives – knowledge belongs to the universe and its inhabitants.

In closing, I believe that Open Data and OpenCourseWare initiatives should be taken seriously and looked at very closely as I believe they are the future and foundation to the greater good and the advancement for our planet and race. This is because with Open Data and OpenCourseWare initiatives provide us with the opportunities, understanding and the data sets to better humanity and focus on good. Also remember that there is so much that can be said about why I support Open Data and OpenCourseWare initiatives and that I have simply just touched base as this article could become very long. I hope that I have provided you with an overview understanding of what Open Data and OpenCourseWare initiatives are and why I support them.