DATA

WHAT IS DATA

Data is the basis of all information. It assists us to form opinions, make decisions and determine our
future.

Whilst we have been asking questions and exploring forever, the notion of using data in a meaningful
manner is a modern concept.

Data is complex to manage when it becomes large, but the invention of computers offers clear solutions
to this challenge.

Technology allows us to collect, analyse and understand data in ways we previously couldn't imagine. It is
time to revisit the way we teach and learn data...

ENIAC- One of the world’s first computers in Philadelphia in 1946.

Its key task was to analyse data to improve artillery during accuracy and calculating the feasibility of
creating a THermonuclear weapon.

ENIAC’s processing power is 10,000 times less than the first iPhone

TITAN is used for hundreds of different complex roles in science, medicine, finance, meteorology, military
and more. It’s primary purpose is still to crunch data and represent it in meaningful ways.

DATA IS A CONTEMPORARY CURRENCY

Data is the basis of all information

Data gives us the capacity to explore every avenue of ourselves and the world we live in.

Data holds us account

Whilst data can be spun into any number of agendas, it is unbiased and does not lie

DATA AS WE KNEW IT

In the past we traditionally understood data in two ways and primarily taught i during math sessions

CATEGORICAL- Values or observations that can be sorted into groups or categories such as gender, eye
colour and colour. Bar charts and pie graphs are used to graph categorical data. You can’t apply decimal
values with any real purpose such as 1.2 dogs.

NUMERICAL- Values or observations that can be measured and placed in ascending or descending
order. Example: Height, Arm span and weight. Scooter plots and the graphs are used to graph numerical
TURNING DATA INTO INFORMATION

When data is collected, sorted, arranged, and represented in a meaningful manner it becomes
information.

When we have information we can infer and take action

An inference is a concussion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

DATA VERSUS INFORMATION

Data is raw values collected for a specific purpose

Information is data which has been given attributes, sorted and represented in a meaningful manner

Data allows us to seek meaning. Information allows us to take action

COMPUTATIONAL THINKING AND DATA IN ACTION

Computational thinking is a logical process used to solve a problem or complete a task. It could be
applied to dealing with data in the following manner.

Decomposition: what is my problem or challenge? What data could I collect about it?

Pattern Recognition: Can i sort or manage my data in a logical manner using attributes?

Abstraction: What data is irrelevant? And how can I represent useful data as information?

Algorithmic Design: Can i create a sequence of steps or actions to solve my problem.

DATA HAS EVOLVED… HAVE WE?

In the last decade we have developed the technological capacity, scientifically understanding, and
commercial purpose to use data and technology in a vbiqullous manner

Over two billion smartphone users take and share information everyday with intelligent systems purpose
built to harvest and yield data in meaningful ways.

We can often forget sometimes we are merely drops of water in an ocean of “BIG” data.

We have an obligation to understand it at a deeper level.

Introducing Digital Data

Digital data is related to the storage and transfer of information between machines.

Values such as Pixels, Binary, Bits, and Bytes are used when discussing digital data
Digital data requires technical infrastructure and human resources to enact. It is not an infinite resource
and has clear benefits in using it effectively and efficiently.

*All three depend upon each often for deeper understanding and implementation.

YOU CAN’T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER!

We cannot and should not shoebox either form of data into its own dedicated area of learning.

WHEN DATA GETS TOO BIG

When data gets too big we can utilize technology such as a database. Database allow us to sort, filter,
and analyze data more efficiently.

A database is like a giant toy box which magically organizes everything in a logical manner such as type,
color, or age group each time we open it depending on what we want.

The way we sort things is by their ATTRIBUTES

ATTRIBUTES

Attributes are the labels we place upon data to give it meaning.

Without attributes data has little value

DATA VISUALISATION AND REPRESENTATION

Sometimes data is overwhelming and complex to understand.

Representing it in a graphical format can assist us in both better understanding data and taking an
effective response.

Most people are visual thinkers

SO WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO DO WITH COMPUTERS?

Computers do what we instruct them to do, but as a collection of silicon, chips, and other components
they do not have the capacity to think and communicate without intervention.

We have had to create languages which can be understood by both man and machine.

This process is called “coding” and up until now it has been a specialist skill

WELCOME TO BINARY

Binary is the basis of all computing languages.

It uses a base 2 system as opposed to our base 10 system.