Presented by Wendy Traas at the 2013 OLA Superconference, January 31, 2013.

1. DATA LITERACY
Using information visualizations to promote data
and statistical literacy in the classroom
Wendy Traas, MI Candidate, University of Toronto iSchool
January 31, 2013
© 2013 Wendy Traas

2. Information literacy, statistical literacy,
and data literacy
Information literacy: Recognizing the need for information,
locating, evaluating, and effectively using information.
Statistical literacy: Requires mathematical competencies
and knowledge of research methods.
Data literacy: Requires technical, software-based
competencies.
Situated cognition: Theory that describes the importance of
active engagement with the tools and resources that are
being taught
Association of College and Research Libraries & the American Library Association (2000)
Brown, J.S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989)
Scheld, M. (2004)

3. Information graphics: visual representation of data
Brinton, W. C. (1923). Graphic
methods for presenting facts.

4. Designer: Ivan Cash (n.d.)

5. Data journalism: data-driven investigative
reporting and storytelling via visualizations
http://www.thestar.com/specialsections/knowntopolice

6. A few resources: data journalism and data
visualizations
Guardian UK http://www.guardian.co.uk/data
Gapminder www.gapminder.org
Data Journalism Handbook datajournalismhandbook.org
Visual.ly
Easel.ly
Information is beautiful www.informationisbeautiful.net
Good Magazine www.good.is/infographics

7. … some learning outcomes

8. References
• Association of College and Research Libraries., & American Library
Association. (2000). Information literacy competency standards for higher
education. Chicago, IL: ACRL.
• Brinton, W. C. (1923). Graphic methods for presenting facts. New York: The
Engineering Magazine Company.
• Brown, J.S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated cognition and the
culture of learning. Educational Researcher 18(1): 32-42.
• Cash, I. (n.d.). Infographic of infographics. Retrieved from
http://ivancash.com/Infographic-of-Infographics.
• Rankin, J., and Winsa, P. (2012). Known to Police. The Star. Retrieved from
http://www.thestar.com/specialsections/knowntopolice.
• Schield, M. (2004). Information literacy, statistical literacy and data literacy.
IASSIST Quarterly Summer/Fall 2004. 6-11.