Basic concepts of data literacy

What does data literacy mean for an IT professional?

An IT professional is someone with specialised knowledge and skills in computer systems, network technologies, programming, data security, and digital infrastructure. In education, their role is interdisciplinary, linking the technical aspects of information systems with the educational and research needs of teachers, students, and institutions.

For an IT professional, data literacy involves understanding how data is collected, structured, processed, stored, and protected.

An IT professional must ensure that data is accurate, accessible, secure, and ready for analysis, especially when used by artificial intelligence (AI) systems in education.

This role requires a combination of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and ethical responsibility in handling data, enabling the effective and responsible use of information in educational systems.

Key activities of IT experts in working with data

An IT specialist performs a series of activities that ensure reliable data management and responsible use of data in education on a daily basis:

The role of IT experts in applying artificial intelligence in education

An IT professional plays a central role in connecting technical systems with educational practice, ensures stable and secure functioning of information systems, and collaborates with instructional design experts to make sure that technological solutions effectively support pedagogical goals and meet the needs of teachers and students.

The role implies that AI systems:

• Use high-quality and relevant data,
• Produce reliable and understandable results,
• Respect user privacy and follow ethical principles.

This approach requires interdisciplinary understanding – a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, and awareness of educational values.

Why is this important?

Without IT professionals who understand the nature, quality, and limitations of data, AI systems may generate inaccurate, biased, or misinterpreted results. Their role is not only technical but also ethical and social: to ensure that technology serves education, not the other way around.

Data literacy among IT professionals is therefore the foundation for the responsible, transparent, and sustainable use of digital technologies that support learning, research, and decision-making in higher education.

Image source: Shutterstock