"Why Kids Need Data Literacy, and How You Can Teach It"

Jessica Brooks

IL

Spina, C. (2017). Why Kids Need Data Literacy, and How You Can Teach It. School Library Journal (online). Retrieved 6/13/17 from http://www.slj.com/2017/06/technology/why-kids-need-data-literacy-and-how-you-can-teach-it/

This article from the School Library Journal (online) discusses the importance of teaching students data literacy, which means the questioning and evaluating of data and the sources that present data. Not only that, the author also offers many online sources that allow for teachers, teacher librarians, and students to incorporate data literacy into their research and learning.

Harman, Sheila
IL Information LiteracyStrauss, Valerie (2016). The astonishing amount of data being collected about your child, Washington Post, November 12, 2016.

This article from the Washington Post, while it is not peer reviewed, is related to the needs of libraries and the information highway. Access to the internet, to individualized instruction with games and apps have forced private and mundane info into the hands of many.  There are those attempting to protect privacy and many have a hard time keeping pace with speed of data production. It is important to consider the rights of those who do not know what they are providing freely for longitudinal data relating to , for example financial information, for studies to groups like the Gates Foundations and inBloom. They have searchable data sites for governmental use with terms like “disability”, “homeless” and ethnicity.  It all may seem innocent until the info is used against you or a child.

Rating: This is an eye opener! The author provides insight and advocacy around the topic of privacy in our digital age.