MUHIZI BANDORA JULIUS 27339
ISHIMWE CUBAIN 28032
Reflection and Analysis: “Why Everyone Should Be Data Literate” by Jordan
Morrow:
Summary and key points:
Jordan Morrow talks about the importance of data literacy in today's world, that too being
termed as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, fully encapsulated within digital transformation and
the explosion of data. Morrow makes an argument that the ability to understand and work with
data is no longer a specialized skill but rather something all people need for making informed
decisions. This analysis reflects upon Morrow's key points and contemplates how they apply to
current best practice in the management and use of data. Morrow defines data literacy as the
understanding of how to read, operate with, analyze, and argue with data. He insists that this
skill is highly important in the modern world, where data at every step influences decisions
from business to everyday life. While he claims that not everyone has to be a data scientist, he
insists that everybody has to feel comfortable with data to be effectively functioning in this new
era.
He highlights some important components of data literacy; Reading data – Understanding what data
says to make smarter decisions, Working with data – Becoming comfortable with data when it's
presented, Analyzing data – Going beyond observations to uncover deeper insights, Arguing with data –
Critically questioning data and using it to back up a point.
Morrow encourages adopting two key mindsets: curiosity and creativity, which lead to asking the right
questions and finding new ways to interpret data in order to improve data literacy among people.
Critical Analysis;
Morrow's insights into how data is used in today's world are highly relevant. Many businesses
today want more employees to have basic data skills, not just the ones working in jobs related
to data. This shift is reflected in the rise of self-service analytics tools that allow people without
technical backgrounds to work with data.
Data analysis is one of the strongest arguments by Morrow. He says, too many times most of us
stop at making superficial observations only, especially on social media platforms, without
digging any deeper for any insights from them. This, in fact, is a very critical issue in today's
world: misinformation being spread without any problem and people hardly questioning data
or stories coming their way.
In this respect, Morrow may be simplifying the way one could achieve a deep level of data
literacy. Curiosity and creativity are good, but to adequately empower individuals to work with
data capably, organizations should provide people with training and tooling for it. Recent trends
in no-code platforms and automated analytics have shed light on the role technology plays in
bridging that chasm toward making data more available.
MUHIZI BANDORA JULIUS 27339
ISHIMWE CUBAIN 28032
Application to Current Trends;
Data Literacy in the Workplace: With data-driven decision-making becoming crucial across
industries like marketing, finance, and healthcare, employees must now interpret and utilize
data effectively. Morrow's talk highlights how companies are investing in upskilling staff to
become data literate, with platforms like Coursera offering relevant programs. Organizations
that prioritize data literacy across all departments gain a competitive edge in innovation and
efficiency.
Data-Driven Education: As education adopts a data-centric approach, schools and universities
are introducing data literacy into their curricula for students of all ages. Morrow emphasizes
the need for this skill. Data science bootcamps and coding courses now focus on preparing
students for a world dominated by data.
Discussion Questions;
1. In what ways can educational institutions better insert data literacy into their curricula
to prepare students for a data-driven future, and what challenges might they face in
doing so?
2. How will companies make certain that their employees in all functions and departments
are data literate, ensuring data literacy does not only remain in IT departments?
MUHIZI BANDORA JULIUS 27339
ISHIMWE CUBAIN 28032
