Data Literacy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Introduction

• Captivation by media: Whether watching news, looking at magazines, or using social media, we've questioned the veracity of information.
• Proliferation of information: Instant access to information makes it difficult to discern what's accurate.
• Making informed decisions: There's a skill allowing us to understand data better to make informed decisions – this is called data literacy.

What is Data Literacy?

• Definition: The ability to read, work with, analyze, and argue with data.
• Not data science: Data literacy ≠ data science. Not everyone needs to be a data scientist, but everyone should be comfortable with data.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

• Digital World: We live in a highly digital world (smartphones, connected devices).
• Connected Devices: Examples include smart refrigerators, internet-connected dishwashers, and app-controlled showers.
• Data as the new oil: Valuable but requires processing to gain value.

Four Characteristics of Data Literacy

1. Reading Data: Ability to comprehend information presented.
   • Important just as reading text was historically revolutionary.
2. Working with Data: Comfort in handling information.
   • Helps in discerning facts from hoaxes.
3. Analyzing Data: Moving from observation to insight.
   • Involves asking questions to gain deeper understanding.
4. Arguing with Data: Interrogating and backing up positions with data.
   • Presenting data-driven arguments effectively.

Practical Example: Buying a Refrigerator

• Reading: Comprehending product information.
• Working with: Comfort in understanding specifications.
• Analyzing: Assessing and comparing models based on data.
• Arguing: Discussing and defending choice based on data.

Starting with Data Literacy

• Two Cs of Data Literacy:
  1. Curiosity: Always ask questions, like children do.
  2. Creativity: Embrace human creativity alongside data.
• Human element: Combine human intuition with machine data.

Conclusion

• Data literacy improves decision-making in personal, public, and business spheres.
• Becoming data literate is crucial for success in the digital future.