Unlocking the Potential of Data Literacy: Eight Barriers and Best Practices to Overcome Them

Data Literacy is a crucial skill for any organization today, as it helps individuals and teams interpret, analyze, and use data effectively to make informed decisions. Leaders want “everyone, everywhere, and all at once” to become highly data-literate, demonstrating a high capability to read, work with, and analyze data. However, studies show that nearly 80% of people lack confidence in their Data Literacy skills, and 90% do not have high Data Literacy. This article delves into the best practices to improve Data Literacy and the barriers that need to be overcome.

The Current State of Data Literacy

Despite the increasing importance of data in today’s world, not much attention has been given to data literacy. Studies show that people do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret data effectively, which has resulted in low confidence and poor computer literacy. These statistics pose a significant challenge to organizations that want to harness the benefits of their data.

Eight themes identified by Dr. Lynch

Dr. Lynch identified eight themes from DATAVERSITY focus groups conducted in early 2023 to understand why people and organizations find Data Literacy training difficult. These themes include lack of perceived relevance, lack of authority, lack of time and resources, lack of learning opportunities, lack of organizational culture, lack of clear goals, lack of trust in data, and lack of a unified language.

Best Practices for Improving Data Literacy

To overcome the barriers to data literacy, organizations should follow some best practices, including designating a competent expert who owns the effort to improve literacy, and this person should be from an area other than Data Governance or a data team. It is essential to have an expert who understands the importance of data literacy and can translate that into operational goals. Additionally, they should focus on providing relevant training and learning opportunities that meet the employees’ needs and schedules.

Example of a medical client

Dr. Lynch cites an example of a medical client she’s working with, where AI experts and clinical experts joined forces to improve data literacy. AI experts were more tech-savvy, while clinical experts were better able to diagnose and treat patients. Together, they created an environment where employees could improve their data literacy skills while remaining engaged in their core work.

The Evolution of Computing Access

The evolution of computing access over the years has made it possible for most people to use computers seamlessly, regardless of their knowledge of algorithms. Advances in hardware, personal computers (PCs), and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) have effectively opened computer access to everyone, providing a platform for people to improve their data literacy skills.

The role of translators

Translators play a significant role in bridging the gap between data-literate and non-technical team members. They provide a critical layer of communication, enabling team members to communicate with each other effectively. A translator’s primary role is to ensure that everyone on the team is speaking the same language, resulting in accurate and relevant data interpretation.

Technological advances

Technological advances, including natural language processing (NLP), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), can lower the barrier to gaining insights by opening access to less technical members. NLP can be used to interpret complex data sets and provide insights in layman’s terms, while AR and VR can help visualize data for greater understanding.

Data literacy is a vital skill that organizations need to leverage to take advantage of their data. This article discusses the best practices to improve data literacy in organizations and the barriers that need to be overcome to improve data literacy effectively. With this new perspective, executives can rethink data literacy training and address the eight barriers identified in this article. By doing so, they can unlock the potential of data literacy and use it to drive their businesses forward.

Explore more

Wix and ActiveCampaign Team Up to Boost Business Engagement

In an era where businesses are seeking efficient digital solutions, the partnership between Wix and ActiveCampaign marks a pivotal moment for enhancing customer engagement. As online commerce evolves, enterprises require robust tools to manage interactions across diverse geographical locations. This alliance combines Wix’s industry-leading website creation and management capabilities with ActiveCampaign’s sophisticated marketing automation platform, promising a comprehensive solution to

Can Coal Plants Power Data Centers With Green Energy Storage?

In the quest to power data centers sustainably, an intriguing concept has emerged: retrofitting coal plants for renewable energy storage. As data centers grapple with skyrocketing energy demands and the imperative to pivot toward green solutions, this innovative idea is gaining traction. The concept revolves around transforming retired coal power facilities into thermal energy storage sites, enabling them to harness

Can AI Transform Business Operations Successfully?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a foundational technology poised to revolutionize the structure and efficiency of business operations across industries. With the ability to automate tasks, predict outcomes, and derive insights from vast datasets, AI presents an opportunity for transformative change. Yet, despite its promise, successfully integrating AI into business operations remains a complex undertaking for many organizations. Businesses

Is PayPal Revolutionizing College Sports Payments?

PayPal has made a groundbreaking entry into collegiate sports by securing substantial agreements with the NCAA’s Big Ten and Big 12 conferences, paving the way for student-athletes to receive compensation via its platform. This move marks a significant evolution in PayPal’s strategy to position itself as a leading financial services provider under CEO Alex Criss. With a monumental $100 million

Zayo Expands Fiber Network to Meet Rising Data Demand

The increasing reliance on digital communications and data-driven technologies, such as artificial intelligence, remote work, and ongoing digital transformation, has placed unprecedented demands on the fiber infrastructure industry. Projections indicate a need for nearly 200 million additional fiber-network miles by 2030 to prevent bandwidth shortages, putting pressure on companies like Zayo. As a prominent provider in the telecom infrastructure sector,