My understanding of big data used to be a misconception. When
describing big data my mind often pictured large files like DICOM
images, fMRI’s, or EEG/EKGs. I suppose this is expected since I
worked in the field of research mainly, until I shifted to a career in
computer science. And one could argue I’m not incorrect (or that I
am! Lol); as far as I’ve learned this semester, a collection of DICOM
images will sooner lead to a dataset considered big data compared
to most other data types.
To simplify what I’m saying, I think I used to think big data was a
term only used to describe large data files vs an unimaginably large
collection of information like something Facebook processes every
day, every hour, and every second. What is that, millions of pictures
of your cats that nobody cares about? Just kidding, your cat photos
are probably cute; but you get my point (or not! Lol).
The material in the course makes sense so far and I feel like I’ve
already learned so much. I’m looking forward to learning new things
and toggling my preconceived notions of nuanced terms in computer
science (e.g., big data, artificial intelligence/machine learning, etc).
Thanks for reading. I look forward to learning and working with you
this semester.
