Critical Datafication Literacy

Despite the increasing influence of data technologies on our world, many people still lack a profound understanding of what this ›datafication‹ means for their lives and our societies. Ina Sander argues that this knowledge gap cannot be addressed by digital skills alone, but that more critical and empowering approaches are needed. Through a review of existing literacies, an analysis of established education concepts, and empirical research on online educational resources about datafication, she develops a framework for »critical datafication literacy«. Novel insights on the design strategies, pedagogical methods and challenges of practitioners who foster such education add to her analysis.

Ina Sander is a postdoctoral research fellow at Helmut-Schmidt-University Hamburg. Before this, she conducted her doctoral research at the Data Justice Lab, Cardiff University, Wales, and undertook a research fellowship at the Center for Advanced Internet Studies, Bochum, Germany. Her research focusses on how data systems transform our societies and on ways to empower and critically educate citizens about data technologies.