Disrupting the dissertation: Linked data, enhanced publication and algorithmic culture. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tracy, Frances; Carmichael, Patrick
• Other Names: Jandrić Petar guest-editor.; Knox Jeremy guest-editor.; Macleod Hamish guest-editor.; Sinclair Christine guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: E-Learning and digital media. Volume 14:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Higher education -- archaeology -- student researchers -- linked data -- semantic web technologies -- algorithms; Internet in education -- Periodicals; Computer-assisted instruction -- Periodicals; Education -- Computer network resources -- Periodicals; Educational technology -- Periodicals; Distance education -- Periodicals; 371.33405
• DOI: 10.1177/2042753017731356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-7530

Abstract

This article explores how the three aspects of Striphas' notion of algorithmic culture (information, crowds and algorithms) might influence and potentially disrupt established educational practices. We draw on our experience of introducing semantic web and linked data technologies into higher education settings, focussing on extended student writing activities such as dissertations and projects, and drawing in particular on our experiences related to undergraduate archaeology dissertations. The potential for linked data to be incorporated into electronic texts, including academic publications, has already been described, but these accounts have highlighted opportunities to enhance research integrity and interactivity, rather than considering their potential creatively to disrupt existing academic practices. We discuss how the changing relationships between subject content and practices, teachers, learners and wider publics both in this particular algorithmic culture, and more generally, offer new opportunities; but also how the unpredictability of crowds, the variable nature and quality of data, and the often hidden power of algorithms, introduce new pedagogical challenges and opportunities.