Digital Literacy Modules

Why Develop Data Literacy, Management, and Representation Skills?

• Information is not limited to text; it often includes numbers, graphs, charts, infographics, diagrams, and other visual expressions of ideas.
• Computer systems rely heavily on data. 
• Basic data literacy is essential to understand the world around you and make informed decisions. 
• Many organizations, businesses, and other employers are seeking data literate employees to empower their success. 

Data, Data Literacy, Data Management, and Data Representation: So Many Terms!

• Data: Merriam Webster Dictionary defines data as "factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation." Often this information is in digital form that can then be processed by computerized systems.

• Data Literacy: Salesforce defines data literacy as "the ability to explore, understand, and communicate with data in a meaningful way." 

• Data Management: SAP defines data management as "the practice of collecting, organizing, managing, and accessing data to support productivity, efficiency, and decision-making."

• Data Representation: Unacademy offers a simple definition of data representation: "Data representation is how data is represented and presented to users." Other definitions refer more specifically to computer science applications. For example, test preparation company Vaia, states: "Data representation, a fundamental concept in computing, refers to the various ways that information can be expressed digitally." 

Atlan's "3 C's of Data Literacy" Framework for Effective Data Use  

• Comprehension: the ability to understand and interpret data
• Communication: the ability to express data-driven insights effectively to others
• Critical Thinking: the ability to ask questions, evaluate data, and make evidence-based decisions 

Data, Information, and Knowledge Video by CREDO 

Note: The CREDO video could not be embedded into this page, so click the gears image or the link in the section heading to go to the video.

Using Quantitative Data Video by CREDO 

Note: The CREDO video could not be embedded into this page, so click the table image or the link in the section heading to go to the video.

Evaluating Statistics Video by CREDO 

Note: The CREDO video could not be embedded into this page, so click on the charts image or the link in the heading to go to the video.

Data Management: The Passport for Open Science: A Diagram Illustrating the Data Management Cycle

The Passport for Open Science diagram by Studio 4 minutes 34, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Text Explanation of Diagram

The circular diagram indicates 6 phases of the data management cycle:

• Collection
• Description
• Storage 
• Processing and analysis
• Archiving
• Making data available 

The Essential Beginner's Guide to Data Management Principles Video by The Data Governor

Module Quiz for Completion Credit
After reviewing the content in this module, complete and submit the quiz to document your completion and receive credit. 

Digital Literacy Modules: Data Literacy, Management, and Representation Quiz

AI Use Disclosure

Content development for the learning outcomes, explanations, examples, and quiz questions in these modules was assisted by Claude.ai (paid subscription) Gemini, and Elicit models. 

Model Citations

Anthropic. (2025). Claude Opus 4 (May 22 edition with web search and extended thinking enabled) [generative AI model/system]. https://www.anthropic.com/claude/opus

Anthropic. (2025). Claude Sonnet 4 (May 22 edition) [generative AI model/ system]. https://www.anthropic.com/claude/sonnet

Elicit. (2025). Elicit Basic (July 23 edition, used Research report) [generative AI model/system]. https://elicit.com/

Google. (2025). Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20 edition) [generative AI model/system]. https://gemini.google.com/app