Data Literacy on Demand: Creating a Set of Data Literacy Modules for Remote Instruction

Abstract

The case study presented here, from Miami University, demonstrates one approach to designing and implementing a series of online modules covering data management skills. Through collaboration with the Miami Ecological Big Data Initiative (MiEBDI), a research center that facilitates access to and analysis of ecological big data, the authors have created modules that are usable across the STEM departments with which they liaise. Flexibility was built into the modules’ design so they can be taken together or separately and can be implemented in multiple situations, from an existing course taught by faculty to a workshop for interested students. The Research Data Management (RDM) modules were created for asynchronous use in Canvas, a learning management system (LMS), making them ideal for remote learning. The modules cover basic data management, data curation, data analysis, and data visualization. By completing the modules, students should have the basic skills necessary to process, archive, analyze, and disseminate the data gathered in their research projects. This instruction format allows for more content to be covered than is possible in a one-shot session. Also, as they can be incorporated into courses quickly and easily, they have the potential to reach a greater number of students than might otherwise be possible, which is particularly important during periods of remote learning.