The Big Data eCourse is available in several versions:
Online version: All course materials are provided digitally.
Online and offline version: In addition to the online materials, a printed version of the eCourse is sent for a small additional fee.
Version with homework correction: In this option, all student questions can be submitted by email, and homework is corrected with feedback. I correct the homework for lessons 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Alongside questions, some lessons include cases that allow students to practice analyzing Big Data. Another instructor handles lesson 3 and cases 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Exam option: At the end of the eCourse, students can take an exam at home. All course materials may be used to answer the questions and cases, making it an open‑book exam.
All eCourse options can be combined or taken separately. Each student can select the combination that fits their needs best. Additional details about the different variants are available on the Laudius platform, where the Big Data eCourse is offered.
All students receive the book 'Succes met Big Data', which is used throughout the entire eCourse. Each lesson is linked to one or more chapters from the book. The cases are additional practice materials and are not directly tied to the book; they allow students to work hands‑on with Big Data analysis. In the accompanying PDFs and videos, students can explore the different types of analyses used in Big Data and see examples of how these analyses are carried out.
As a bonus, all students have access to the Forum, where questions can be asked and Big Data news, articles, research, or other information can be shared. I am one of the teachers and regularly post updates and insights about Big Data in the Forum.
When the STAP-budget was still available, the variant with homework correction could be purchased using this budget and was therefore essentially “free” for the student. In that case, the government covered the cost of the Big Data eCourse instead of the student. This option is no longer offered. The program was discontinued not because it was unsuccessful, but because the application process for the STAP-budget caused too much administrative hassle.