Data Literacy: How Developing Best Practices for Higher Education in Communications Will Drive Innovation in Tomorrow's Workplace

Abstract

Data literacy has become one of the most important competencies for a citizen to exercise in their personal and professional lives. It contributes to more informed decision-making in all aspects of life, and is more frequently being utilized in organizations to drive innovation and change. These skills are especially important for communications professionals, as interpreting and communicating data to various publics is the foundation of information sharing in virtually every industry and sector. Data competencies are typically acquired in post-secondary education; however, existing curricula are lacking robustness, adaptability, and transferability of skills needed in the workplace and in our ever-changing world. Through the results collected from both professors and practitioners in the communications field, this study identifies the gaps in existing curricula, and justifies the importance of communications students acquiring data literacy skills to ensure that they will be equipped for their careers and the world at large. This research highlights that improving data and research skills will better prepare citizens for their professional and personal lives.