Why we established a foundation
Discover how we contribute to a data-aware world in which everyone can participate.
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At Digital Power, we are aware of the opportunities that data presents and we don't shy away from our societal responsibility. That's why we established the Digital Power Datahub in 2021. Through our foundation, we contribute to building a data-aware world. Why is this so important?
Data Awareness in the Digital Age
In our daily lives, we constantly share data as digital technology becomes increasingly intertwined with our society. In just a few years, we went from paying with cash to using debit cards, and today we pay with our phones or even smartwatches. As convenient as this may be for many of us, we are often unaware of the data we are constantly sharing because data operates "behind" the scenes.
Moreover, critical digital skills such as understanding how algorithms influence search results and recognising how different representations impact people's worldview are often overlooked. This is due to a lack of knowledge about the most effective ways to teach these skills.
Yet, data and digital technology have a tremendous impact on our lives, both positively and negatively. While paying has become easier, so has phishing. Therefore, data awareness, or literacy, is crucial. In fact, data awareness is a prerequisite for societal participation.
Data Awareness Among Children
Nevertheless, primary schools do not pay enough attention to digital skills, including data awareness. The Monitor Digital Literacy revealed that in 2021, primary school teachers rated their students' digital literacy with an average grade of 6 (out of 10). According to 66% of teachers, there is a (very) high need to further develop students' digital literacy. Moreover, topics such as online safety (35% address this aspect), privacy (31%), and technology and technological innovations (11%) receive little attention. On the other hand, basic IT skills receive more emphasis, with 61% of teachers focusing on searching and finding reliable information, and 44% teaching word processing and presentation programs.
Data Awareness and Equal Opportunities
Meanwhile, data awareness is not equally accessible to everyone. Those who already have an advantage in society are typically also the ones who can fully benefit from the opportunities of digitalisation, as highlighted by Kennisnet in 2020. There are already significant differences in digital skills among children, and a major factor contributing to these differences is family income. Additionally, for 10 to 12-year-olds, the extent to which parents help with the installation and use of digital media has a positive effect on their digital skills. Here too, inequality of opportunities comes into play: the higher the parents' educational level, the more likely they are to assist their children.
All of this leads to a society in which existing inequalities are at risk of being strengthened by digitalization. For equal opportunities and participation in the digital age, it is essential that everyone can benefit equally from the advantages of digitalization and protect themselves against its risks.
From Data to Action
We take on this challenge by making people of all ages (from 9 to 86 years old) and societal organisations data aware. Data awareness means being able to handle data based on your own norms and values, that is, consciously sharing data in a way that suits you. To achieve this, you need to understand what data is, assess opportunities and risks, know how to gain more control over data, and how to handle data in a way that aligns with your personal values. How do we help people become data aware? By providing lessons to primary school students, at after-school care programs, secondary schools, universities, workplaces, and for senior citizens. We explain the world of data in an accessible manner and help people chart their own data journey.
Let’s collaborate!
The Datahub strives to make data knowledge accessible to society. We do so by making people of all ages (from 9 to 86 years old) and societal organisations data aware through education and project support. We wouldn't be a 'hub' if we didn't do this in collaboration with partners.
Would you or your organisation like to help us make individuals and organisations data aware? Do you have any questions or ideas? We would love to hear from you!
Contact Marlous for more information
Marlous would be happy to have a conversation with you about the possibilities of a workshop series for your team.
Research specialistdatahub@digital-power.com
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