Data Literacy Foundations

We live in a world that runs on data.

It’s how Amazon and Netflix know which movies and products to recommend, how Starbucks manages a global supply chain, how banks detect fraud, and how Uber connects drivers with passengers in real-time.

But data skills aren’t just for tech companies or professional analysts anymore.

Whether you’re a teacher using test scores to improve lesson plans, a sales manager tracking monthly quotas, or a marketer exploring customer trends, data can help you work smarter and make better, more impactful decisions.

In this course, we’ll set the stage by discussing what data literacy means, share frameworks to help you assess and benchmark your skills, and review the elements of a successful data ecosystem, including data democratization, strategy, architecture, and governance.

From there we’ll dig into each core component of the data literacy skill set – interpreting, managing, analyzing and communicating with data.

You’ll practice interpreting tabular datasets and charts, learn how to apply profiling and QA techniques, and review methods for accessing, storing, and transforming data for analysis.

Next we’ll introduce proven frameworks designed to help you think and problem-solve like a world-class data professional, and break down the differences between descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics.

We’ll also explore the power of data visualization and storytelling. We’ll review key principles and best practices for communicating with data, walk through common visualization mistakes and how to correct them, and show you how to craft clear, data-driven narratives.

Last but not least we’ll talk about what data literacy means in the age of AI. We’ll demo some incredible use cases for generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, share prompt engineering tips and best practices, and address common limitations and pitfalls to be aware of.

Whether you’re an individual looking to build confidence, a leader seeking to empower and upskill your team, or a data professional just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this is the course for you.

COURSE CURRICULUM:

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

• Everyday people looking to build confidence and use data more effectively
• Leaders seeking to upskill or empower teams with critical data skills
• Data professionals who want to sharpen their data visualization and storytelling skills
• Anyone looking to work smarter, earn more, and make more impactful data-driven decisions

WHAT ARE THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS?

• This is an entry-level course (no prerequisites)
• Some experience working with data is helpful, but not required