Nicole Calma-Roddin, Jessica Varghese, Shaya Sheikh, Radoslaw Nowak (New York Institute of Technology)
Abstract
We encounter data constantly in our modern world. As a result, understanding data is a core skill that students need, not only to be successful in their careers, but also to be informed, engaged citizens. In this breakout, we share our experience creating and implementing an interdisciplinary data literacy course as a required, general education course for undergraduate students. Topics, approach, the creation process, problems with the implementation, sources of resistance, and practical recommendations will be discussed. In addition, we will share relevant findings from our current research exploring to what degree this course enhances students’ awareness of data and attitudes towards statistics. We hope attendees will consider “What’s Next?” by brainstorming what a general education data literacy course might look like at their own institution and by considering what research questions we, as a field, may want to explore as such courses become more common.