Basic concepts of data literacy

6. Challenges of data collection in education

In education, a significant portion of data is collected digitally. Although such data offers numerous opportunities for analysis and improvement of educational practice, its collection and processing also present several challenges that must be recognised and understood to ensure reliability, ethics, and applicability. These challenges include:

Access to technology and the digital divide 
Unequal access to digital resources remains a challenge in education today. Not all students have equal internet connectivity, nor do they all possess the necessary equipment and technical knowledge to participate effectively in online environments. These disparities can lead to incomplete, biased, or uneven data, as some students are simply unable to participate in all digital activities in the same way.

Technical errors 
The reliability of digital data can be compromised by various technical problems, including software errors, network interruptions, or malfunctioning devices used by students and teachers. These issues can result in data loss, inaccuracy, or incompleteness, reducing the research and pedagogical value of the data. Therefore, it is necessary to provide technical support and regular maintenance of digital systems used in education.

Privacy and ethical challenges 
The collection, storage, and analysis of digital data in education must comply with applicable legal frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is crucial that students and teachers are clearly informed about the purpose of data collection, how the data will be used, and the options for protecting privacy. Ethics in handling educational data requires transparency, respect for individual rights, and responsible information management. Only such an approach can ensure trust and create a foundation for the safe and ethical use of digital technologies in education.