Data science is the ability to ask questions, collect, analyse, interpret, communicate about data. As technology makes it easier to collect vast amounts of data, the skills to use data to solve problems fairly will become even more important. This course, developed by experts in the field of digital and data literacy and primary teaching, is an innovative and exciting opportunity for professional development.
4 Day Data Literacy course (primary teachers)
Data Education in Schools is offering a free course on data literacy in the primary classroom. Primary teachers attending the course in 2022/23 have said:
“This course has given me the confidence and desire to present the data work that I do with children in a more engaging way”
“…a really supportive and positive experience”
There will be four full-day sessions on (Wednesdays) 6th September 2023, 8 November, 24th January 2024, and 13th March 2024. All sessions will be taught face-to-face and held in central Edinburgh. You will need to attend them all. The course will be taught by Professor Judy Robertson and Dr Holly Linklater and will include collaboration with data scientists, colleagues in industry, and educational experts.
Topics covered will include:
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- Exploring how data is used to solve real life problems. From election dashboards in the newspaper, to the smart meters in your cupboard, to the Fitbit in your pocket: data displays are everywhere. We’ll consider how data be used ethically to make decisions and improve our lives.
- The data cycle. We’ll learn about the Problem Plan Data Analysis Conclusion (PPDAC) cycle for data problem solving, and how you can teach this process to your learners in real life projects, both with and without technology.
- Links, strategies and big questions: We’ll explore how to develop strategies to ensure that every child participates meaningfully in opportunities to develop their data literacy. We will identify digital and non-digital pedagogical approaches to teaching data literacy, and explore how this may enrich the ways in which all learners are included in class activities. This is important to our commitment to close the attainment gap.
There are 15 places for teachers on the course. All primary school teachers in the South East of Scotland (City of Edinburgh, Fife, Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian) may submit an application for a place. Preference will be given to teachers in schools that have not previously participated in this course, who are working to close the attainment gap, or to improve their technology provision.
Cost for classroom cover will be provided.
How to apply?
When applying to the course, teachers must commit to: attend all sessions; try out the course materials at their school; take part in research data collection activities; and share their knowledge with other teachers. Send your completed application form to Judy.Robertson@ed.ac.uk by Monday 12th June. You will be notified if you have a place by Monday 19th June, at which time you will receive additional details.