The 21st-century school arrived more than 20 years ago—a fact that the calendar does not allow us to dispute. In the challenges of today, this school recognizes the need to promote an education that fosters student leadership, intellectual autonomy, and environmental and social responsibility. These are skills that are increasingly necessary and valued for the holistic development of the individual.

The discussion regarding the implementation of disruptive educational initiatives—ones that break with the status quo—is not a recent one. The American philosopher and educator John Dewey (1858–1952) emphasized the need for schools to be spaces for the holistic development of the individual, integrating theory and practice. Seymour Papert (1928–2016), a South African-born mathematician, educator, and computer scientist, emphasized that the teacher’s role is to create conditions for exploration and creativity, allowing students to construct and experiment with their ideas independently and express them through the use of digital technologies.

Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire (1921–1997) pointed out that education should foster the development of a critical understanding of the world, promoting the individual’s freedom to form their own perspective on their reality. This approach is urgently needed in the Data Age, given the immense amount of information that is currently produced and made available through various media outlets.

In this sense, Data Literacy connects the classroom to the reality surrounding students, fostering a Culture of Data and helping individuals become proficient in this field. The National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC, 2018) highlights the importance of implementing initiatives in schools that enable students to learn how to work with data as a means of making sound decisions and verifying the accuracy of information circulating in society.

“To argue based on facts, data, and reliable information in order to formulate, negotiate, and defend shared ideas, viewpoints, and decisions that respect and promote human rights, social and environmental awareness, and responsible consumption at the local, regional, and global levels, while maintaining an ethical stance toward caring for oneself, others, and the planet” (BNCC, 2018, p. 9)

Thus, in the context of our society—where discussions about the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data are intensifying—a static classroom that fails to engage with the ever-changing reality of today’s world misses out on valuable learning insights.

The Value of Data

Given that we live in a technological, connected, and networked society, data is one of the essential drivers of this society. Data plays a crucial role in the digital economy and in strategic decision-making. It is the raw material that drives innovation, enables the development of new technologies, and fuels AI.

According to Davenport (1998), data are observations about the state of the world. They are, by analogy, considered a set of raw facts from which conclusions can be drawn. British mathematician Clive Humby states that “Data is the new oil,” referring to the value this asset holds today. We are living in the Data Age, and knowing how to harness the power of this resource to take fact-based actions is an important skill for every citizen to develop. 

However, raw data is like crude oil. To have value, oil must be refined, just as data must be processed and analyzed to become useful and relevant information. Data literacy plays a fundamental role in this process, empowering people to understand, interpret, and extract meaningful insights from data, enabling more informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), data literacy—also known as data literacy—refers to the ability to read, work with, analyze, and reason with data. Jordan Morrow (2021), considered a “guru” in Data Literacy, emphasizes that the ability to argue is directly related to communicating with data, which is of great value when it comes to personal, interpersonal, and corporate processes.

Data Literacy Workflow: Reading, Working With, Analyzing, and Communicating with Data

Data Literacy in K-12 Education: Ethical Implications, Privacy, and the Infodemic

The development of Data Fluency is a path that enables schools to engage meaningfully with their local, regional, and global contexts, transforming the world into a constantly updated textbook filled with relevant questions. 

It is important to recognize that an education that empowers promotes critical thinking and intellectual autonomy, enabling students to become researchers and explorers of the world around them—skills that are essential in today’s society.

In school curriculum activities in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, Data Literacy offers, for example, the opportunity to connect the history of the industrial revolutions to topics such as ethics and morality. This perspective allows for important reflections on issues such as power, domination, and politics in the digital age. 

In addition, the Mathematical Sciences—driven by Languages, Codes, and related technologies—contribute to the interpretation and analysis of information provided by the media, cross-checking it against open data from reliable sources. The search for these reliable sources is a crucial aspect explored by Data Literacy.

Some topics are particularly relevant and important to bring into the classroom, such as data privacy and the use of apps and social media, as well as discussions about artificial intelligence and fake news. These topics have a significant impact on our daily lives, and exploring them in school can empower students to develop a deeper, more critical, and more informed understanding of the dynamics and challenges present in these fields.

Apps:The debate over the use of ordinary citizens’ personal data to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace is a recurring and important topic for discussion. In 2012, The New York Times published a warning in an article titled “How Companies Discover Your Secrets,” which described how the U.S. retailer Target used data analysis techniques from menstrual cycle apps to identify customers who were pregnant and target them with ads and offers for baby products.

Cases like this are common because users do not typically take the time to carefully read the terms and conditions of app usage, which allows their personal information to be collected and shared without their full awareness of the potential risks and consequences involved.

Social Media:A study conducted by researchers at Cambridge and Stanford, cited in an article in Galileu Magazine (Galileu - O Globo, 2015), revealed that Facebook has a (surprising) ability to understand a person based on their likes. According to the study, for every 10 “likes,” Facebook is able to understand a person better than a coworker. For every 70 “likes,” Facebook surpasses even a friend or roommate in terms of understanding. And for every 150 “likes,” Facebook proves to be more effective than a relative at understanding the person in question. 

The documentary "Hacked Privacy," released in 2019, presented an investigation into the company Cambridge Analytica, revealing how it used Facebook data to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election through targeted advertising. This revelation raised questions about data protection and the manipulation of American citizens' personal information for political gain. 

Artificial Intelligence: Joy Buolamwini, a graduate student at MIT, played a key role in the debate regarding flaws in artificial intelligence algorithms in the field of computer vision. While conducting tests, Joy discovered that the algorithm—trained on biased data—failed to correctly recognize the faces of Black women. In light of this discovery, she launched a legal battle in U.S. courts to highlight and prove the biases present in the data feeding these algorithms. Her story is chronicled in the 2020 documentary “Coded Bias.”

Joy Buolamwini’s struggle served as an important wake-up call regarding the need to address and correct algorithmic biases in order to promote fairer and more equitable systems. The film also highlights the importance of data literacy and collective responsibility in the search for fairer and more ethical solutions in the use of these technologies. The case underscores the relevance of the human element in the Data Age.

Fake News: Another issue that reflects the reality of the society in which we live is the infodemic. This term was popularized by the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic and is defined as “an overload of information—some accurate, some not—that makes it difficult to find reliable sources and trustworthy guidance when needed.” In this context, misinformation and fake news emerge. 

To combat conspiracy theories and information wars—which use data manipulation and the distortion of factual information to create biased rhetoric—initiatives focused on transparency, media literacy, and the promotion of critical thinking are essential.

For example, in 2020, the media widely reported that wildfires in the Pantanal region had increased by 210% compared to the previous year. Regardless of the political decisions and climate-related causes behind this increase, it would first be important to determine whether this percentage increase was actually accurate. This is a compelling topic to bring into the classroom.

In 2021, an initiative focused on data literacy for students and educators in K-12 education—organized by the InformAção university extension project of the Institute of Computing at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)—sparked an important discussion inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 15, Life on Land. 

The activity, titled “Fires in the Pantanal,” compared 2020 media reports on the devastated area within the biome with open data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and the Laboratory for Environmental Satellite Applications (LASA) at the Department of Meteorology of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

This initiative was developed by a multidisciplinary team of educators, marking yet another step toward the democratization of activities focused on basic education. The InformAção project remains active, conducting teacher and student training programs in public and private schools.

Information: University Extension Program of the UFRJ Institute of Computing

Therefore, to combat this current epidemic of misinformation and contribute to a more just and democratic society, initiatives focused on data literacy are urgently needed. The next section outlines a framework for how these initiatives can be implemented in schools.

Data Literacy in Practice:

To develop activities related to data literacy, it is essential to establish a meaningful and context-specific strategy using an active methodology, such as project-based learning. 

In this approach, the theme that serves as the basis for the proposal can be a relevant local, regional, or global issue. It is extremely important that activities related to reading, working with, analyzing, and communicating with data be connected to the real world.

To become data literate, it is not necessary to have a background in data science, but it is important to understand the four levels of data analysis: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analysis (Morrow, 2021).

• Descriptive analysis: used to describe the data, including relevant characteristics, qualities, and events—what happens;
• Diagnostic analysis: identifies the nature of an issue or problem, examines the symptoms, and seeks insights—why it happens;
• Predictive analytics: predicts behavior in advance—what might or will happen;
• Prescriptive analysis: suggests an appropriate solution for the identified potential behavior—what to do.

Furthermore, it is necessary to foster an emancipatory educational approach characterized by curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, recognizing that data literacy enhances the human element in the use of data. These attitudes are essential for identifying biases and discrimination present in the technologies used in decision-making, as well as for promoting analytical reflection on the information provided by the media. Such competence is relevant for the general public, students, educators, and public and private managers, helping them to understand and address the challenges associated with the use of data and information in their respective fields.

On the path toward creating a Data Culture—as a catalyst for discussions on current issues—Data Literacy can take various forms. To begin with, for example, it is important to work with participants to compile a data dictionary, creating a glossary that describes the variables and terms used. Similarly, it is important to define the topic by identifying a problem or situation that you wish to explore. 

In this regard, it is suggested that students develop the following skills: 

1. Reflect and ask good questions:think critically about the data and formulate relevant questions. 

2. Process the data: prepare the data for analysis. This may involve cleaning and transforming the data, such as handling missing values, removing duplicates, standardizing formats, normalizing scales, and other procedures.

3. Analyze and gain insights: use visualizations and analytical techniques to understand the data and gain insights. 

4. Communicate and make your case with data: communicate findings clearly and persuasively using visualizations and reports. 

5. Data ethics and legislation: Consider ethical and legal issues related to data, including privacy and regulatory compliance.

Tools:Free tools, such as Google Sheets and Google Data Studio, can be used as complementary resources, offering powerful features for classroom activities and helping to promote multidisciplinary, active, and meaningful activities.

Data Literacy in Action: Google Sheets and Google Data Studio

Data Literacy, Key Topics, and Applications

Generative Themes (Freire, 1971) are important elements for carrying out data literacy activities; they can address local, regional, or global issues. To this end, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a powerful source of inspiration.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN Brazil, 2022) is characterized by “a global call to action to end poverty, protect the environment and the climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity.” Below are some examples of how data analysis can be applied to promote reflection on the SDGs, engaging with the school curriculum through active learning methodologies.

SDGs - United Nations 2030 Agenda

Educational Robotics and Natural Sciences:By using sensors from electronic platforms such as Arduino and GoGo Board, students can collect environmental data relevant to the natural sciences, such as soil moisture, air humidity, air quality, and atmospheric pressure. 

This data collection makes it possible to investigate natural phenomena, explore the interactions among elements in the environment, and analyze patterns and relationships. In addition, students can create practical solutions to environmental challenges (SDG 13) by using automation and prototyping to develop customized devices and solution designs. These activities foster an interest in science, develop scientific skills, and provide a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Government Open Data and Languages:The concept of Open Data is not widely known among the general public, but it is an important topic to address in the classroom and serves as a powerful resource for developing interpretation and argumentation skills. 

Open Data is defined as “a methodology for publishing government data in reusable formats, with the aim of increasing transparency and promoting greater political participation by citizens.” Institutions such as the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the Ministry of Health are examples of agencies that make their data openly available. 

For example, as mentioned above, an activity on the topic “Wildfires in the Pantanal” can be discussed using data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and comparing it with news reports published by the media. In this way, it is possible to foster relevant classroom discussions and insights to address the fight against fake news and raise awareness of the importance of preserving biomes (SDG 15). 

These activities allow students to explore the importance of critically analyzing information, understanding data, and evaluating the reliability of sources. 

Primary Research and the Humanities and Social Sciences:By conducting primary research—such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups—at their own school, students have the opportunity to address topics relevant to the school community and foster meaningful reflection. 

Topics such as school infrastructure, bullying, gender issues, and improvements to the teaching and learning process can be explored by the students themselves, resulting in valuable contributions to improving the quality of education (SDG 4).

These research projects allow students to actively engage in data collection, analyze the responses they obtain, and draw conclusions based on their own experiences. By involving students in this process, the school promotes their active participation, encouraging student leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to express their opinions and concerns. 

Conclusion

Data Literacy for Data Fluency is essential in 21st-century education and plays a fundamental role in emancipatory education. By empowering students to understand, interpret, and communicate data in meaningful ways, it prepares them to face the challenges and seize the opportunities offered by the Data Age.

Through data literacy, students develop skills in reading, analyzing, and communicating with data, becoming critical thinkers and informed decision-makers. These skills are essential today, when the ability to collect, analyze, and act on data is crucial to success.

Data literacy can be integrated in a multidisciplinary manner through contextualized approaches, enabling students to apply these skills in different fields of study. In addition, the use of free tools such as Google Sheets and Google Data Studio enhances learning by making activities more engaging and hands-on.

Thus, data literacy, combined with emancipatory education, empowers students to tackle the challenges of today’s world, explore opportunities, and make data-driven decisions. 

About the author:

*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bett Brasil.

References:

BRAZIL. Ministry of Education. “National Common Core Curriculum.” Brasília: MEC, 2018.

Davenport, Thomas H. "The Ecology of Information: Why Technology Alone Is Not Enough for Success in the Information Age," 1998.

Freire, Paulo. *Pedagogy of the Oppressed*, 1971.

Galastri, Luciana. "Facebook knows you better than your mother—and it only needs to analyze 150 of your 'likes' to do so." O Globo - Galileu Magazine, Jan. 14, 2015, revistagalileu.globo.com/Tecnologia/Internet/noticia/2015/01/o-facebook-te-conhece-melhor-do-que-sua-mae-e-so-precisa-analisar-150-de-seus-curtir-para-isso.html. Accessed: July 9, 2023.

Morrow, Jordan. “Be Data Literate: The Data Literacy Skills Everyone Needs to Succeed.” Kogan Page Publishers, 2021.

UN Brazil. “The Sustainable Development Goals in Brazil.” United Nations Brazil. 2022. Available at: https://brasil.un.org/pt-br/sdgs. Accessed July 8, 2023.

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