Information, data and media literacies

Being digitally literate in the area of information, data and media content means being able to find, evaluate, organize, use and permanently store information and data in different formats to answer questions, solve problems, and gain knowledge.

In the context of digitalization, raw data can be defined as records of real-world events, captured and stored using digital devices. By analyzing and interpreting raw data, information can be derived that then can serve in human communication. Information can be stored in different formats, so that news articles, documentary films, picture books, diagrams, statistical data or podcasts may all be seen as different vectors of information.

In the age of digital multimedia and generative AI, the cost of producing and diffusing data, information and content decreases. As a result, the quantity of openly accessible information rises, while its overall quality tends to vary more widely. In consequence, the capacity to evaluate the trustworthiness of data and information in various formats acquires a particular importance.

Concretely, information literacy means the capacity to:

• find, evaluate, manage, curate, organize and share digital information
• interpret digital information for academic and professional/vocational purposes
• review, analyse and re-present digital information in different settings
• critically evaluate information in terms of its provenance, relevance, value and credibility
• understand and critically assess AI-based generative tools for content and media creation (text, images, audio, video, animation), with a particular attention to the challenge of AI-generated mis- or desinformation (hallucinations, deep fakes, etc.)
• reference digital works appropriately in different contexts to avoid plagiarism
• understand and respect the rules of copyright and open alternatives, such as Creative Commons.

Data literacy means the capacity to:

• collate, manage, access and use digital data in spreadsheets, dashboards, databases and other formats
• interpret data by running queries, performing data analyses and creating visualizations for use in reports and presentations
• all while applying the principles of personal data security and privacy protection, including when using AI-based tools.

Media literacy means the capacity to:

• critically evaluate media messages in terms of their provenance and purpose
• receive and respond to messages in a range of media – text, graphics, audio, video, animation
• curate, re-edit and repurpose media content, giving due recognition to originators
• understand digital media as a social, political and educational tool.