Data Literacy
Data literacy is determining validity, accuracy and quality of data sources, and recognizing patterns to draw conclusions. A data literate workforce allows us to identify, collect, store, manage, analyze, share and use data to answer questions and provide decision makers with the right information about complex issues. This form of facilitated decision making can lead to significant gains for your organization, including lower operating costs and increased innovation in solutions identification.
Below you will find a variety of courses and resources to support you in implementing this approach, which are organized by theme:
- Data Awareness
- Data Processing
- Data Communication
- Data Governance and Implementing a Data Culture
- Data in the Government of Canada
- Additional resources
Many of the following learning activities are informal so don’t forget to take credit for your learning by manually adding your activity to your learning history in Saba.
Data Awareness
Data AwarenessHow Data Literate Are You?
This tool is a data literacy self-assessment. It leads you through a series of individual and organizational data competency questions, and provides a proficiency level result, along with a personalized data persona and list of learning resources.
- Duration:
- 20 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I560
Data : The Basics
Data Literacy has been identified by the Government of Canada as an important skill for public servants of the future. The College@ESDC in partnership with the Chief Data Office (CDO), designed a series of five courses that allows you to pick and choose which data literacy skills you would like to focus on.
Although the College recommends you start with "Using Data in the Government of Canada", you can take each course in the series in any order. Activate the links to register to a specific course or search "Data: The Basics" in Saba for other courses in the series.
Data Literacy Training Series by Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada offers a series of courses on the different steps of the data journey. Learn more about Data Gathering, describing, analyzing, storytelling and more by visiting Statistics Canada's learning catalogue.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Introduction to Data
Introduction to DataWhat is Data? An introduction to data terminology and concepts
Statistics Canada offers this short video introducing you to data terminology and concepts such as datasets, databases, data protection, data variables, micro and macro data, and statistical information.
- Duration:
- 6 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
The Data Journey: What you need to know for successful navigation
Statistics Canada offers this short video introducing you to the steps and activities in the data journey, as well as the foundation supporting it.
- Duration:
- 4 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
What is Data?
In the Government of Canada, lack of data isn't a problem. In fact, it's the opposite: there's often too much information available from too many different sources to make a clear decision.
In this bus ride episode offered by the Digital Academy, you'll learn:
- the definition of data and data analysis
- the 2 types of data
- the 2 ways data is organized
- 5 steps to analyze data to answer a business question; and
- the role of a Chief Data Officer.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
A Self-directed Guide to Understanding Data
This course is a series of self-paced activities designed to introduce learners to data in the Government of Canada. It sets the foundation for the Discover Data series by introducing data concepts and terminology, exploring changing citizen expectations of government, what a data-driven organization looks like and how the Government of Canada is moving towards that goal. It will also give learners an opportunity to reflect on personal data challenges, and their own organizational data strategy.
How Data Literate Are You? (I560) is a prerequisite for this course, and this course is a prerequisite for anyone taking The Role of Data in Digital Government (I511).
- Duration:
- 2.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I561
Big Data Fundamentals
You've probably heard of big data, but what exactly is it and how can it be used to give your organization a competitive advantage? In this course, you'll learn about the key characteristics of big data, the benefits it can provide, and the types of data it incorporates. You'll also be introduced to the different ways it can be applied, depending on your market sector. This course also covers some fundamental security challenges of big data and best practices for managing big data through an effective information life cycle.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I017
Big Data Interpretation
Utilizing big data can lead to significant gains for your organization, including lower operating costs, better decision-making, and innovative new product development. But you have to know how to effectively identify, gather, analyze and use your data to reap the benefits. In this course, you'll learn about the data analysis process and be introduced to the most common basic and advanced analytic methods, including data mining. This course also covers some of the most common big data tools and their associated uses, and some challenges to keep in mind when undertaking big data analysis activities in your organization.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-Based
- Course ID:
- I018
Data: The Promises and the Perils: The Road to Our Digital Future
Data and digital service: you’re not alone if you’re wondering what this means. Join futurist and data scientist, Juliette Powell, for an interesting discourse on how other governments and industries are using data to improve services and uncovering the perils that come with it.
- Duration:
- 1.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00038522
Being Critical when Handling Data
Being Critical when Handling DataThe Era of Blind Faith in Big Data Must End – A Ted Conference by Cathy O’neil (English video)
Algorithms decide mathematically how wealth, opportunities and privileges are distributed, but mathematics don’t make things fair. Data scientist Cathy O'Neil calls algorithms: "weapons of math destruction." Learn more as she speaks to the hidden agendas behind the formulas.
Video in English only. Subtitles and transcript available in English and French.
- Duration:
- 15 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
3 Ways to Spot a Bad Statistic – A Ted Conference by Mona Chalabi (English video)
Statistics are great tools, but can sometimes be deceitful. How should we decide which statistics are worthy of trust? Mona Chalabi, data journalist, shares tips and insights on how to question as well as interpret and truly understand statistics.
Video in English only, subtitles and transcript available in English and French.
- Duration:
- 10 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Comprendre les algorithmes pour en tirer parti (French Only) (Understanding algorithms to come out on top)
In this short video, Dominique Cardon explains how algorithms are gradually making their way into our lives. He discusses how to take a critical approach to examine the subtleties of the effects of algorithms in our lives.
Dominique Cardon is a sociologist with the Orange Labs Laboratoire des usages and Associate Professor at Université de Marne-la-Vallée (LATTS). With La Démocratie Internet (Seuil, 2010) and numerous articles, he has stood out as one of the best digital and Internet specialists.
- Duration:
- 10 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
A quoi rêvent les algorithmes : nos vies à l’heure du Big Data – Dominique Cardon (French only) (What are Algorithms Dreams Made Of – Living in a Big Data Era)
This book explores the use of algorithms in various forms – from information classification, to personalization of marketing by digital giants. Algorithms are not only mega calculators; they have political implications which must be understood in order to better navigate the new digital era.
Find this book at your library or purchase it from a book retailer ($10-$20 depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 110 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- eBook available:
- No
Demonstrating Ethical Behavior when Handling Data
Demonstrating Ethical Behavior when Handling DataPanel: Privacy in the Digital Age: are we ready?
ESDC is mandated to deliver some of the most widely known federal benefit programs such as Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, plus a host of other programs and services that support our departmental mandate.
The privacy implications of the design and implementation of these programs and activities is clear and is a topic of constant attention for our department. Access this video to learn how to reconcile privacy considerations with a rapidly advancing digital world.
This video presents an event in which speakers alternate between speaking English and French.
- Duration:
- 1.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00057202
Legal and ethical considerations – University of Ottawa
Research data can be subject to legal and ethical constraints that may limit how and when research can be published and data released to the public.
Refer to this page when working with data to help ensure that you adopt ethical behaviors when collecting, analyzing and communicating data.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
The Ethics of Collecting Data – A Ted Conference By Marie Wallace (English only)
One big ethical question looms over the excitement about the potential of big data: how do we maintain privacy while gleaning insight from all of this collected information? Marie Wallace offers some fresh thinking on the topic, such as radical transparency on how retailers use ads to target certain demographics.
- Duration:
- 10 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
The Human Face of Big Data (English only)
With the rapid emergence of digital devices, an unstoppable, invisible force is changing human lives in ways from the microscopic to the gargantuan: Big Data, a word that was barely used a few years ago but now governs the day for many of us from the moment we awaken to the extinguishing of the final late-evening light bulb. This massive gathering and analyzing of data in real time is allowing us to not only address some of humanity biggest challenges but is also helping create a new kind of planetary nervous system. Yet as Edward Snowden and the release of the Prism documents has shown, the accessibility of all this data comes at a steep price. The Human Face of Big Data captures the promise and peril of this extraordinary knowledge revolution.
English close captioning available. Transcription is available in English and French.
In the search bar of GC campus, type “big data” to find this video.
- Duration:
- 1 hour
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Éthique et données – By Serge Abiteboul (French only) (Ethics and Data)
In this video, Serge Abiteboul discusses the effect of the human factor on the objectivity of algorithms and gives varied examples of ways to identify and mitigate it.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Processing
Data ProcessingData Collection and Preservation
Data collection and preservation encompasses its discovery and collection, its organization and evaluation, the quality assurance of sources and metadata creation and use.
Before you learn about data collection, it may be a good idea to refresh your Strategic Thinking and Achieving Results skills.
Types of Data: Understanding and Exploring Data
In this video offered by Statistics Canada, you will learn about data and statistical information, and explore the different types of data. After watching this video, you will be able to identify categorical and quantitative data, nominal and ordinal data, and discrete and continuous data.
- Duration:
- 11 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data quality in six dimensions
In this video offered by Statistics Canada, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of data quality, which can be summed up in six dimensions—or six different ways to think about quality. You will also learn how each dimension can be used to evaluate the quality of data.
You will learn about basic quality concepts, data quality expressed as six dimensions and the interactions between these dimensions.
- Duration:
- 9 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Workshop series offered by Statistics Canada
This workshop series provides you with direct access to Statistics Canada's extensive survey methodology and analysis experience. From designing surveys to interpreting and using statistical data in your day-to-day business, we have the course to suit your needs. All instructors are professional staff with broad experience and knowledge in their field of expertise and in training.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led Classroom
- Course ID:
- N/A
Statistics Canada offers this course publicly. These courses are available for a fee; manager approval is required prior to registration.
Program Evaluation Methods: Chapter 4 – Data Collection Methods by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Evaluating program performance is a key part of the federal government’s strategy to manage for results. This document discusses the appropriate methods for achieving timely, relevant, credible and objective findings and conclusions on program performance, based on a valid and reliable data collection and analysis.
Chapter four discusses the six data collection methods used in program evaluation: literature search, file review, natural observation, surveying, expert opinion and case studies. Data collection methods are discussed in this chapter largely as elements of a research strategy.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Preservation
Data preservation requires ongoing active management of data from as early in the lifecycle as possible. As the volumes, heterogeneity, and complexity of data grows, the requirement for active management becomes a very important component.
This webpage provides a list of articles on data curation and preservation.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Tools
Data ToolsChoose a database – offered by OpenClassroom
This module is part of the "Design a database with UML" course. Learn how to decide which database to use when applying your database structure to a real live relational database.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
10 Free Tools For Data Visualization
Learn more about tools used by data experts to convert content data into relevant visualizations.
Careful! Tools offered by public institutions require approval by ESDC's IT experts. Be sure to discuss this tool with your manager before using it.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
8 useful tools to assist in creating dashboards like the pros
Learn more about tools used by data experts to create dashboards.
Careful! Tools offered by public institutions require approval by ESDC's IT experts. Be sure to discuss this tool with your manager before using it.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Analytics
Data AnalyticsOrganizing Business Data with Data Modelling
Modelling data can help businesses better organize and access information. Organizations rely on various kinds of data to monitor their business. They need data that is accessible and understandable. Data modelling plays a critical role in ensuring both features.
In this course, you'll explore the characteristics of data modelling, and the common styles and types of models used. You'll find out how the three levels of data modelling can provide a detailed blueprint of a company's data. You'll also learn about common strategies for building data models, and the ways that data modelling improves an organization's daily operations.
- Duration:
- 25 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I523
Perform an Initial Data Analysis – offered by OpenClassroom
This course covers the basics of Data Science: how to mine data for its essential information by digging deeper into the concepts of averages, variances and histograms and learning how to find relationships in your data.
- Duration:
- 15 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Design a database with UML – offered by OpenClassroom
This course covers the uses of a relational database, how to set one up, and how to ask it questions, but also how to organize your database using the same terminology as your organization.
- Duration:
- 20 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Program Evaluation Methods: Chapter 5 - Analytical Methods by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Evaluating program performance is a key part of the federal government’s strategy to manage for results. This document discusses the appropriate methods for achieving timely, relevant, credible, and objective findings and conclusions on program performance, based on a valid and reliable data collection and analysis.
Chapter five describes the analytical methods the federal government uses to determinate program results. It focuses on using these methods as an element in a particular evaluation strategy.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Communication
Data CommunicationData communication is about knowing how to present data and understanding data when it is presented. Before you start learning about data communication, you may be interested in developing your Storytelling skills.
Exploring Data Visualization
The business world is full of data. Using the data strategically gives your company a competitive edge. The tricky part is making sense of the data and then communicating what it means. Data visualization takes sometimes complex sets of data and extracts from them actionable insights.
This course sets out the considerations for creating data visualizations and explains how to present your message with the help of data visualization tools. You'll learn how to communicate clearly with data visualizing techniques. You'll also explore ways to use best practices for design so that your visualizations clearly and accurately tell the story you want them to.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID
- I519
Turning Statistics to Stories – offered by Statistics Canada
This one-day introductory workshop will help you to communicate your message in a more effective manner by focusing on defining your target audience, using statistics to present your story, and translating numbers into stories by learning how to use tables and graphs more effectively.
- Duration:
- 7.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led Classroom
- Course ID
- 00061165
10 Data Visualization Tips
Data visualization is an effective tool to communicate research. But to realize its potential, designers should follow these tips to help readers decode their visualizations.
This document is provided by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), which funds research in developing countries to promote growth, reduce poverty, and drive large-scale positive change.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID
- N/A
Data Governance and Implementing a Data Culture
Data Governance and Implementing a Data CultureMaking Data-driven Decisions
Around the world, organizations are realizing the many advantages of using data to overhaul their business strategies and gain a competitive edge. However, data-driven decision making doesn't mean ignoring your intuition or past experience. In fact, the combination of business acumen and data-driven decisions can be a powerful tool for change.
In this course, you'll learn about the benefits of making decisions with data as the basis for your choice. You'll explore best practices for taking a balanced approach to make decisions that don't rely on a single perspective. You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes associated with using data to inform decisions.
- Duration:
- 25 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I514
Harnessing the Power of Data Science for Business Growth
Around the world, organizations are realizing the many advantages of using data to overhaul their business strategies and gain a competitive edge. However, data-driven decision making doesn't mean ignoring your intuition or past experience. In fact, the combination of business acumen and data-driven decisions can be a powerful tool for change.
In this course, you'll learn about the benefits of making decisions with data as the basis for your choice. You'll explore best practices for taking a balanced approach to make decisions that don't rely on a single perspective. You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes associated with using data to inform decisions.
- Duration:
- 25 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I522
Turning Social Intelligence into Actionable Insight
Using social intelligence (SI) is not just about recording the number of likes, retweets, or followers you have on your various social media accounts. True social intelligence involves using the vast amount of raw, real-time data you have at your disposal. It involves converting the data into practicable insights that will help you improve customer relationships.
In this course, you'll discover how social intelligence can improve your organization's performance. You'll explore ways to monitor social media, as well as common sources of social media data. You'll also learn about best practices for analyzing that data, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to use social awareness strategies that deliver real business value.
- Duration:
- 25 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- I524
Culture Eats Data for Lunch
Many companies experience difficulties with data analytics integration. One of the remedies is to instill an organizational ‘'data culture’’ - at the right time and the right scale - to adjust management decisions, processes, skills and routines.
Do you wonder why a data culture is at the centre of a digital transformation? Do you want to know where to begin? This article introduces you to the importance of developing a data culture before plunging into a digital transformation.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
For Executives
For ExecutivesEXecuTALK - Navigating Today's Data Revolution: How to Come Out on Top
With evidence-based results a top priority in better serving Canadians, data has become crucial to our day-to-day work as public servants. Canada's Chief Statistician, Anil Arora, discuss how organizations and leaders can stay current, relevant and flexible in the face of demand for new, data-based information and information technology capabilities
Close captions and transcript available in English and French.
In the search bar of GC campus, type “Arora” to find this video.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID
- N/A
EXecuTALK - Unleashing the Power of Data with Ima Okonny
Ima Okonny, former Director of Data Management & Reporting at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, shares how you can change your organizational culture by interpreting data and developing insights towards improving the impact of outcomes in the lives of Canadians.
Subtitles and transcript available in English and French.
In the search bar of GC campus, type “Okonny” to find this video.
- Duration:
- 30 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID
- N/A
Data in the Government of Canada
Data in the Government of CanadaThe Role of Data in Digital Government
This course explores the opportunities and challenges of using data in the Government of Canada in more depth, and creates space for learners to share stories and experiences. It focuses on data use at the individual, organizational and GC levels.
- Duration:
- 2 hours
- Methodology:
- Virtual Classroom
- Course ID:
- I511
Data and you at ESDC, now and in the future
Data are revolutionizing the way that we manage, deliver, and improve our programs and services. But what do we mean when we say "data" and how can data be used at ESDC? This keynote will help demystify the uses of data — now, and in the future — and show you how data is used in a context of performance measurement, business intelligence and even prediction. You will also learn how everyone in the organization has a part to play in unlocking the possibilities of data through good governance and stewardship.
- Duration:
- 1.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- 00063598
Understanding Data in a Digital Age
In today’s digital age, public servants need to think about their understanding of data, including how to collect, store, manage, analyze, share and use it. Data is at the core of everything we do. The more we understand data, the better services we are able to provide to Canadians.
Join top experts as they share their perspectives on the power and promise of data analytics and the link between data, trust and privacy. You will learn about “data blindness,” explore collaborative efforts that can provide insights on improving how we serve citizens, and hear about innovative data-driven approaches to policy and program delivery.
Video available in French, English, or its original version where speakers alternate between the two languages.
- Duration:
- 2 hours
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Open Data (English only)
Open government and open data are about transparency, accountability and citizen participation. In this video, Lisa Deacon, co-lead of Datafest Ottawa; Jason White, privacy development lead at Shopify; Renée Sieber, associate professor at McGill University; and Michael Lenczner, director of Powered by Data, share how Canada can chart a path towards making data and government more accessible to its citizens.
Video in English only, subtitles and transcript available in English and French.
In the search bar of GC campus, type “Deacon” to find this video.
- Duration:
- 5 minutes
- Methodology:
- Video
- Course ID:
- N/A
Data Collection, Capture and Coding
Statistics Canada provides researchers and policy makers with insight into our society and economy for the benefit of all Canadians; helping to answer questions and provide decision makers with the right information about complex issues that affect us all.
Learn more about where data comes from, how they are used in official statistics, and the steps we take to ensure the confidentiality of your data.
- Duration:
- Variable
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Additional resources
Additional resourcesESDC's Chief Data Office
On the Chief Data Office's website, where you will find information on ESDC's Chief Data Office, its projects and services, environmental scans of the data landscape, as well as events and collaboration opportunities. You will also find many resources pertaining to open data, data quality, data science, data governance and more.
Corporate Subscriptions
The Mouvement québécois de la qualité (MQQ) and Gartner are platforms to support leaders in their strategic functions through advice, research and tools. ESDC has a corporate subscription to these two platforms that allows you access a host of articles, discussions and events. All you have to do is:
- Create an account (DOCX 33.3 KB)
- Search their catalogue with keywords such as: "data management", "data visualization", "data governance", "data strategy", "data communication" and "data analysis".
The Mouvement québécois de la qualité is available in French only and Gartner provides resources primarily in English.
Be sure to browse the College@ESDC’s complete offering on competencies that support transformation such as strategic thinking, change management, and risk management.
If you have questions about these offerings, contact your Learning Coordinator (NCR) or your Learning Centre (regions).