Srini Vemula is the Founder and math++ Guru at {igebra.ai} — a global EdTech company. He has rich experience in information technology, data, and AI from top Silicon Valley companies such as Databricks, Apple, HP etc. He believes data thinking and AI thinking are crucial problem-solving skills for the 21st century. Mr Vemula ensures that kids come out of this false notion and understand the beauty of mathematics and its applications in real life. The driving forces behind Vemula’s entrepreneurial venture include his passion for teaching and a great vision to create a better future for kids. He has 25 years of rich experience in teaching math and leading high-end information technology, data and AI projects.
In the digital era, data is the new oil. It is the world’s most valuable asset, growing at an incredible rate. By 2025, the amount of data generated each day is expected to reach 463 exabytes globally. To add to the amazement, all the words ever spoken by humans fit into only 5 exabytes.
Data is the bedrock of all the technological megatrends. From chatting to friends in a messaging app or buying a coffee to swiping credit cards or streaming music, today almost everything we do leaves a trail of data breadcrumbs. And this increasing datafication of our world has led to an unprecedented explosion in data. This highlights the importance of digital literacy not just for adults but also for kids.
So, what is meant by data literacy?
Data literacy is the ability to collect, access, maintain, analyze, interpret and understand data to make better sense of everything around us. It’s not just about looking at numbers in a spreadsheet. It’s being able to face a tidal wave of data, having the skills to navigate through it and make decisions with confidence.
Is data literacy crucial for kids?
The answer is yes because nowadays, it is normal to see kids using some kind of gadget most of the time. In fact, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and the Internet have become a common part of their everyday life. From attending online classes to playing games, surfing YouTube, or watching movies, kids are well versed in using digital technology for both educational and recreational purposes. And all these technologies capture enormous amounts of data at a break-neck pace.
Teaching kids data thinking skills is very crucial because data is a persistent part of their lives.
They should know how to collect, analyze, and use data effectively. However, without proper use and understanding of it, data can be overwhelming and confusing to make decisions. Kids should be data literate so that they can use it effectively and safely.
Why should data literacy become an integral part of kids’ education?
The data revolution has begun and education should be adapted to our living reality because kids are living through the formative years today and will contribute to shaping the future. Thus, they need to learn competencies that are relevant and be prepared for their future.
Being data literate will be a rewarding journey for kids in the following ways:
A better understanding of the world: Data thinking skills will help kids to gain a better understanding of the technological world they are living in. It will guide, direct and empower kids in their decision-making to support positive changes that will ultimately make the world a better place.
Boosts the ability to make data-driven decisions: The amount of data collected has never been greater, inculcating data thinking skills will help kids in collecting, analyzing, reflecting data, and making calculated decisions based on data.
Develops problem-solving skills: Usually, problems are solved either intuitively or systematically. Both ways require knowledge about historical data, logical reasoning, cognitive thinking to come up with creative solutions to solve a problem. Therefore, it develops problem-solving skills and boosts the creative thinking of kids.
Improves academic performance: Kids need to understand, use, and communicate data effectively, regardless of the subject matter. Data literacy gives kids the ability to analyze data, recognize patterns, understand cause and effect relationships, and gives the confidence to make predictions. Data literacy also boosts reflective and critical thinking.
Infinite career opportunities: The living reality of today and the future is digitization. With digitization comes data. Exponential growth in data is fuelling massive tech advances and it offers infinite career opportunities. Having data literacy from a young age will be lucrative and rewarding.
Conclusion
Data is so much more than just numbers within a chart or graph. Data means numbers in context. And it also means data stories.
It is an exciting time and the needs are critical!
With this in mind, {igebra.ai} develops data thinking in kids. After all, data literacy is a foundational skill for all to be empowered citizens today and into our data-driven future.
Data literacy holds promise for a better world.