Comparison of Emerging Information Visualization Tools for Higher Education

Abstract

Information Visualization online tools have gradually found its way into various contexts of use and Higher Education Institutions are not an exception. The considerable amount of data and information continuously produced in Higher Education Institutions provide Information Visualization professionals an interesting set of challenges which, if looked through a broader perspective all share a common goal: to assist and contribute to decision making. However, tools presently available, or in an ongoing stage, take different approaches regarding interface, interaction and goal design in Higher Education Institutions, Information Visualization tools. This paper presents a review and analysis of some Higher Education Institution Information Visualization online tools, according to an up-to-date theoretical framework. Its conclusions include some final thoughts on what is driving, or not, work and outcomes in this particular context of use.