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Valerie Logan
CEO and Founder at The Data Lodge
Jordan Morrow
VP and Head of Data Analytics at Brainstorm, Inc.

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From Data Literacy to AI Literacy

October 2023

Summary

In a time where both data and AI literacy are essential, the discussion focused on understanding these concepts as two integral parts of the same idea. Data literacy involves understanding the language of data, which includes analytical methods like AI, to solve real-world problems. AI literacy, alternatively, concentrates on interacting efficiently with AI technologies. The webinar underscored the importance of a mindset alteration, where individuals acknowledge their existing literacy and expand it. The speakers highlighted the need for a simplified mental model to understand the intricacies of data and AI, urging organizations to create an environment of comprehensive collaboration. The discussion also touched on the role of leaders in demonstrating strong data literacy practices and the imperative need for organizations to develop a culture that embraces data-informed decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

Data and AI literacy are interconnected, serving as a unified language for problem-solving.
A simplified mental model, like the VIA model (Value, Information, Analysis), helps clarify data and AI.
Leaders play a vital role in demonstrating and encouraging a data-literate culture.
Engagement with data should start from a personal frame of reference, acknowledging existing literacy skills.
The fear of data can be reduced by emphasizing the enhancement of human capabilities.

Deep Dives

The Interconnection of Data and AI Literacy

Data and AI literacy are often treated as separate entities, but they fundamentally constitute two aspects of the same literacy. As Valerie noted, "They're two ...
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sides of the same coin, helping people be conversant and confident in the language of data." The discussion emphasized that literacy in these areas involves understanding the language of data, including analytical and AI methods, to derive value. This literacy is not only about technical skills but also about applying this knowledge to solve real-world problems, making it a vital asset for everyone, not just data professionals.

Building a Simplified Mental Model

To understand the intricacies of data and AI, the speakers proposed a simplified mental model, the VIA model (Value, Information, Analysis). Jordan explained, "We have to get to the simplicity of just bringing it down to a basic mental model." This framework helps individuals and organizations align their efforts on what they are solving (Value), the data used (Information), and the methods applied (Analysis). Such a model assists in reducing the noise and confusion often associated with data and AI discussions, making it accessible for broader audiences.

Leadership and Data Literacy

Leadership is vital in cultivating a data-literate culture. Valerie highlighted that success "looks like when a leader is in a room and they stop and they say, 'What's the source of that data?'" Leaders must model the behaviors they wish to see, encouraging an environment where questioning and understanding data are encouraged. This modeling helps in breaking down the fear of data, making it an integral part of organizational culture and ensuring that data literacy is seen as a workforce capability.

Addressing the Fear of Data

The fear and apprehension surrounding data are common, but they can be overcome by viewing data as an enhancement of human capabilities rather than a replacement. "It's really about a redeployment of capacity, not necessarily a replacement," Valerie stressed. By framing data and AI as tools that enhance rather than replace human decision-making, individuals can approach these technologies with confidence. This shift in mindset is vital in helping individuals realize their existing literacy skills and encouraging them to build upon them.