Teaching data literacy skills via online and interactive 'Data Skills Modules'

The UK Data Service programme of training events has traditionally included the teaching of basic skills in using data via hands-on computing workshops or shorter online webinars. More recently the service has produced a set of three online, interactive ‘Data Skills Modules’ – covering cross-sectional survey data, longitudinal data and aggregate data respectively. Each of the three modules is approximately two-hours long and is designed for learners who want to get to grips with the data. They highlight key design features of the data, get learners started with the data and test the learner’s knowledge via interactive quizzes. The modules, designed by data specialists in collaboration with an e-learning technologist, contain a mix of videos, written materials, quizzes and activities: https://www.ukdataservice.ac.uk/use-data/data-skills-modules. They are freely available for everyone without registration and are designed to be conducted in the learner’s own time, dipping in and out when needed. This presentation will describe the context of how the UK Data Service has traditionally taught skills in re-using data, the background to the development of the online modules, the content of the modules, the pedagogical approaches used, an exploration of how the modules have been received by the community and plans to develop future modules. The presentation will also discuss the pros and cons of this approach to using digital technology to build capacity in the re-use of data, including reflections on the production process.