In order to make evidence-based decisions, we need data. Collecting useful education data and making it available is a key challenge across the globe. What are the databases and registries used in Estonian education?
Education systems have long collected and used data in some form or another. However, today’s technology has greatly increased opportunities to use data and analytics to improve teaching. Some of the educational data in Estonia is public to everyone, some is intended for use within the field. See some examples of education databases used in Estonia.
The public visual educational statistics database HaridusSilm (Education Eye) consists the statistical data about education, research and development, language policy and youth field in Estonia. The portal brings together data from the fields of basic, general, secondary, vocational and higher education, and reflects indicators related to participation in lifelong learning and entering the labour market. Haridussilm also provides an overview of how far we are from the goals set in the education strategy.
The Estonian Education Information System EHIS is a state database that brings together all the information related to education in Estonia. The database stores details about education institutions, students, teachers and lecturers, graduation documents, study materials and curricula. The database is accessible only
This service is intended for anyone in education, whether students enrolled in general, vocational, higher or hobby programmes, or the teachers and academic staff providing that education. It is also possible to access information on the qualifications and further training completed by teachers and academics. EHIS is also part of monitoring the education system so that the authorities can make sure it prepares people for the labour market of the future. Higher education is free in Estonia at public universities.
EHIS stores data entered since 2005, so detailed information on general education levels across the population from school to university is available on request. Applying for university studies by simply transferring your details to the desired university is the most common use of the EHIS database.
The Estonian Research Information System ETIS is a national information system that concentrates information on research and development institutions, researchers, research projects and various output in Estonia. Estonian Research Information System is also a tool for submitting, reviewing and processing grant applications and for submitting and reviewing project reports.
It’s an information channel and a tool for researchers as well as R&D institutions. Researchers can use the ETIS as a place, where they can submit applications for grant competitions, publish their CV-s, introduce their research output and read field related news. R&D institutions can submit through the Estonian Research Information System applications and introduce their research projects, services and results more widely. Several R&D institutions use ETIS also as their internal research information system. Research funding organisations use ETIS for evaluating research institutions and processing applications, giving feedback, signing funding agreements and reviewing reports submitted by the grant awardees.
Estonian Research Information System has been established by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and is operated by the Estonian Research Council.
The kutsekoda.ee register contains information on competence-based professional standards, qualifications and their levels, certificates etc.
