Abstract

The growth of computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science raise serious challenges for primary and secondary education. How do we ensure that students have the necessary skills and competencies to be able to make sense of the many developments in these areas?

In this talk, I will propose critical competencies needed to effectively interpret, analyze, and communicate with data and to make sense of computation writ large.

As but one example, consider the foundational computing skills that form the backbone of data science and digital literacy. This includes an overview of programming concepts, algorithms, data structures, workflows, and data technologies.

I will describe ways that all students can achieve computational and data literacy skills, review tools that may facilitate learning, and outline challenges and opportunities to make these competencies accessible to a broad audience.