Big Science and Little Science in Open and Distance Digital Education

Abstract

This chapter provides a discussion of big science and little science. An overview of the definitions and uses of each is provided, as well as data collection and analysis practices, inclusive of a range of digital data analysis tools for research projects in open, distance, and digital education. A discussion is also provided on the promises, opportunities, controversies, and complications of big data and little data, as well as the possibilities of working with both forms of data collection. Insights based on the literature are highlighted, providing suggestions for practice when working with big data and/or little data. The chapter concludes with questions and suggestions for further research and implications for open, distance, and digital education that arise from the literature.