Flexible, Scalable, and Sustainable Data Literacy Instruction: Remote Learning and Collaboration for the Future

Abstract

Data literacy (DL) is an important topic that is not typically covered in-depth as part of undergraduate curricula, yet is often a skillset that faculty expect new graduate students to have. In spring 2020, librarians partnered with a STEM department to transform its in-person DL workshops. Online modules were created to cover four main DL subjects: data management, data curation, data analysis, and data visualization. The modules were designed to either be standalone or taken together as a microcredential, and to be applicable to a wide range of disciplines. Over the summer, several graduate students, faculty, and librarians were recruited to test and provide feedback on the modules, with the goal of a full rollout in fall 2020. Many faculty have already expressed interest in incorporating one or more of these modules into their online courses. Future developments will strengthen the library’s remote instruction offerings to face challenges posed by uncertain times and ensure students are able to cultivate these skills. This presentation will cover the development of these modules, including outreach and marketing efforts, and will provide a platform for attendees to identify, discuss, and plan how they might incorporate data literacy instruction at their institutions.