Data literacy

When you think about it, it’s actually quite strange… Over the past years the amount of data and the complexity of data analysis and usage (for example in algorithms and AI) has been growing rapidly, while on the other side our communication, even when concerning these complex topics, has been getting ever shorter. How much can you explain in a two-line tweet or a ten second video?

What is Data literacy?

Insight starts with asking the right questions, and that is what the Samenweten project Data literacy is about; which questions do you need to better understand and interpret what algorithms in data science are and what they do? Using several recent and impactful examples of (use of) algorithms and big data, we will work out which questions you could be asking to find out how to understand and interpret them. Questions such as; where did the data come from? What type of analysis was used? Which conclusions could you draw from them? We will be doing this from different perspectives, for example from the point of view of science, policy, journalism, education. This way, we provide a helping hand towards communicating your own questions. This guideline is designed for any curious individual out there, – from journalists to policymakers and citizens – and builds on Data Science: a guide for society of Sense about Science. Through an interactive website we aim to make the guide easily accessible and useful for everyone.   

Data literacy is led by Susan van Erp and part is executed by a Msc student Communication Design for Innovation, Technical University Delft. Sense about Science and Elsevier support the project in terms of expertise and financially.

Want to join?

The project Data literacy is in full swing. Would you like to be a part of it? There are different ways you can participate, for example by joining one of our focus groups or our test panel. Are you interested and would you like to know more? Please contact us by email and we will discuss the possibilities.