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University of Copenhagen

Data Literacy – What is it and why does it matter?

You might already know that data is not neutral. Our values and assumptions are influenced by the data surrounding us - the data we create, the data we collect, and the data we share with each other. Economic needs, social structures, or algorithmic biases can have profound consequences for the way we collect and use data. Most often, the result is an increase of inequity in the world. Data also changes the way we interact. It shapes our thoughts, our feelings, our preferences and actions. It determines what we have access to, and what not. It enables global dissemination of best practices and life improving technologies, as well as the spread of mistrust and radicalization. This is why data literacy matters. A key principle of data literacy is to have a heightened awareness of the risks and opportunities of data-driven technologies and to stay up-to-date with their consequences. In this course, we view data literacy from three perspectives: Data in personal life, data in society, and data in knowledge production. The aim is threefold: 1. To expand your skills and abilities to identify, understand, and interpret the many roles of digital technologies in daily life. 2. To enable you to discern when data-driven technologies add value to people’s lives, and when they exploit human vulnerabilities or deplete the commons. 3. To cultivate a deeper understanding of how data-driven technologies are shaping knowledge production and how they may be realigned with real human needs and values. The course is funded by Erasmus+ and developed by the 4EU+ University Alliance including Charles University (Univerzita Karlova), Sorbonne Unviersity (Sorbonne Université), University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet), University of Milan (Università degli studi di Milano), and University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski).

Status: Information Privacy
Status: Data Literacy
BeginnerCourse11 hours

Featured reviews

WC

5.0Reviewed Apr 8, 2026

The module were easy and understandable for something that may help us in future and be aware of what is good and bad.

SK

5.0Reviewed Apr 13, 2026

This course has equipped me with high level Google skills I recommend it to anyone , while believing we know how to use Google apps we can be surprised as to what more is there still to be learned ?

SY

5.0Reviewed Jan 17, 2026

It make learning easy because I do it at my convenient time

MM

4.0Reviewed Jan 8, 2026

This course really impacted me to have high data literacy such that am compelled to come up with a youth Data Protection Awareness and Ethics movement

JD

5.0Reviewed Feb 17, 2026

This course has improved and impacted me with great and extraordinary knowledge with experience. Thanks to the MTN coursera.

EP

5.0Reviewed Aug 3, 2025

It was really insightful and gives me more rooms to learn more on it

FT

4.0Reviewed Apr 5, 2025

This has really been an eye opener for me. and I have learned a lot about what data is.

EA

5.0Reviewed Mar 28, 2025

Data literacy is the foundation for making smarter decisions, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to navigate a data-driven world with confidence.

AA

5.0Reviewed Mar 8, 2025

That's a great course on Data Literacy, and very informative

AM

5.0Reviewed Nov 6, 2025

Very interesting, the resource men are highly intelligent

A

4.0Reviewed Apr 18, 2026

The course made me see how important it is to be vast in knowledge on data literacy.

FP

5.0Reviewed Jul 6, 2022

The couse help sin identifying real data and managing it

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 91

Saroj Rout
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