Data Literacy

What is data literacy?

Data literacy is a foundation for data use. Data literacy is the ability to consume for knowledge, produce coherently and think critically about data. What does it mean to be data literate? As collectors, producers and consumers of data on a daily basis, especially in the COVID-19 era, understanding the importance of data, how to read and interpret data, and how to use data to drive decision-making is critical. 

“The data-literate individual understands, explains, and documents the utility and limitations of data by becoming a critical consumer of data, controlling his/her personal data trail, finding meaning in data, and taking action based on data. The data-literate individual can identify, collect, evaluate, analyze, interpret, present, and protect data.” – Definition of data literacy by the Education Development Center (EDC) Oceans of Data Institute (ODI)


Data Literacy Resources

In partnership with FEMA, Building Bright Futures is introducing a series of workshops on an introduction to data, the advantages and pitfalls of using real world data to make decisions, and addressing the needs and challenges of Vermonters in accessing, collecting and reporting data. 

Data Workshop 1: Insights, Processes, and Pitfalls of Data Applications

Reference articles and reports