Toward critical datafication literacy: The role of online resources in fostering critical education about datafication

Sander, Ina 2023. Toward critical datafication literacy: The role of online resources in fostering critical education about datafication. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Despite the increasing datafication of our societies, many citizens’ understanding of the workings and societal implications of data systems is fragmentary. In light of calls for more (critical) education about datafication, the overarching goal of this study was to develop a theoretically and empirically grounded framework for critical datafication literacy. This research draws upon existing critical data literacy conceptualisations along with established approaches from traditional education scholarship: media literacy, the German ‘(politische) Bildung’, and Freirean ‘Critical Pedagogy’. The study combines empirical investigations of online educational resources about datafication, semi structured interviews with resource creators, and a qualitative survey with educators to explore the experiences of practitioners in creating and using educational resources about datafication. This study is unique in the way it combines theory and practice: placing a strong emphasis on learning from practitioners of critical data education and interconnecting this research with a theoretical grounding in traditional education scholarship. This interconnection led to significant findings on the ways practitioners are already teaching about datafication and highlighted many parallels between these practices and critical education theory. One key parallel was an empowering and emancipatory approach to education that aims for systemic understanding of how datafication transforms our societies on a structural level, and how collective action is needed to address the risks that come with this transformation. Such perspectives are rare in existing critical data literacy conceptualisations and highlight how much can be learnt from practitioners. The study advances previous research by developing a novel framework for critical datafication literacy, which aims for systemic understanding of datafication, encouraging critical thinking, and enabling learners to make enlightened choices and take different forms of action. The interconnection of theory and practice culminated in a collaborative knowledge mobilisation project with the NGO Privacy International, in which the study’s findings were mobilised for educators.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Journalism, Media and Culture
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	26 January 2024
Last Modified:	26 Jan 2024 10:55
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/165844

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