Why data literacy is an essential skill

Introduction to Data Literacy

Jess Ahmet

Content Developer, DataCamp

We live in the data era

 

timeline leading to the data era

Introduction to Data Literacy

Data literacy is a life skill

  • We can learn about the world through data
  • Problem: lots of information, often complex
  • How do we get from information to valuable insights?

 

Data literacy can help us learn how data can be used to connect the dots and create value

two business people high-fiving

Introduction to Data Literacy

A skill even for non-data jobs

  • Data literacy is not about technical skill
  • It is about learning how to critically think about and interact with data and its analysis
    • Understanding its relevance
    • Placing it into context
    • Knowing both its potential and its limits
Introduction to Data Literacy

The definition of data literacy

 

The ability to read, work with, analyze, and communicate insights with data.

 

  • Reading data
  • Working with and analyzing data
  • Communicating insights with data
Introduction to Data Literacy

Reading data

  • Identify data sources
  • Collect data
  • Manage data

 

  • Tools you might already know:

    • Databases

     

  • Learn more in Chapter 2

illustration of person looking at data

Introduction to Data Literacy

Working with and analyzing data

  • Turn data into insights

 

  • Data analytics:
    • Descriptive analytics
    • Predictive analytics

 

  • Learn more in Chapter 3

illustration of person handling data

Introduction to Data Literacy

Communicating insights with data

  • Demonstrate your insights
  • Present possible actions

 

  • Tools you might already know:
    • Visualizations
    • Storytelling

 

  • Learn more in Chapter 4

illustration of two people presenting data

Introduction to Data Literacy

Let's practice!

Introduction to Data Literacy

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