Data and Urban Governance Mooc

This Mooc is a course that introduces students to issues linked to the increased presence of data in urban governance. It targets a wide public on Coursera and also serves as a resource for students in the Urban School at Sciences Po.

Over four sessions, this Mooc explores how urban governance has transformed in our digital, data-heavy era. What has data done to urban governance? Who governs in a city that is flooded with big data? Is it possible to govern platforms? How do we govern using algorithms? What place do citizens have in the digital city? Is it still possible to be anonymous in the city?

The course helps students decipher what drives the ongoing transformations in the organization and practices of regional administrations; analyze the current evolution of the municipal service markets; and understand the issues that influence the creation and implementation of urban policies when data comes to town.

The Institute for Skills and Innovation’s role is to offer support for the Mooc’s project management and pedagogical planning, offering various learning formats such as videos, original texts, scientific articles, and interviews with professionals in the field. Regarding skills assessments, it associates data manipulation exercises (retrieval, visualization, analysis) and more classic evaluations like quizzes. During the four sessions, particular attention is given to identifying resources, using graphic elements that point learners in the right direction by differentiating types of content (concepts, resources, practical exercises, etc.) and each session’s theme.

Since this Mooc became available on Coursera in January 2022, over 2,000 people have participated in the two versions, in English and in French.

Find out more about the Data and Urban Governance Mooc (FR).