Data Expedition

prototyping data literacy teamwork

2-3 days

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An example of the Datenwerkstatt concept, implemented as part of Demokratielabore

Overview

Data Expeditions are quests to map uncharted territory, discover hidden stories and solve unsolved mysteries in the Land of Data. In a team you’ll tackle a problem, answer a question or work on a project. We help you to get started and it’s up to you to decide where you go.

You discover hidden stories and solve mysteries in the Land of Data. In a team you investigate datasets and develop new ideas for campaigns and find new a approach to a challenge. We accompany you on your way and introduce you to the data pipeline, a method for developing data-driven projects.

Trying things out and working with real data is best to improve your data literacy skills. The two to three days Data Expedition gives you the space to approach your ideas with the help of digital tools and methods. That´s how you best get to know working with data and how you may even make some new friends along the way.

Goals

  • how to realize a data-driven project from first ideas to data visualizations - based on the data-pipeline
  • how to design an approach for an existing challenge with the help of digital tools (e.g. for research activities)
  • how to manage and prototype digital projects in a team
  • You will be able to deepen your knowledge of a certain digital skill or area of interest, like data visualisations, analysis or finding stories

Curriculum

Every data expedition is unique and is completely geared to the needs of the participants. One example is our Data Expedition on EU’s financial transparency, the Story Hunt. Below you find a typical outline of a Data Expedition.

  1. Day one
    • 1. Welcome session & getting to know each other
    • 2. An Introduction to the data pipeline, a method for developing data-driven projects
    • 3. Roundtable: experts introduce their digital projects, solutions to challenges and give insights into data on selected topics, Q&A
    • 4. Rethinking challenges and hypothesis: questions, ideas and hypotheses are collected, discussed and evaluated
    • 5. Teamwork: defining your ideas and designing an approaches to the chosen challenge
    • 6. Break out sessions / skill sharing with participants and experts
    • 7. Short project presentations
    • 8. Wrap up of the day & bonding activities
  2. Day Two
    • 1. Good morning coffee
    • 2. Teamwork continues
    • 3. Break out sessions / skill sharing with participants and experts
    • 4. Final presentations of the projects
    • 5. Collective reflection: How could we continue working on the projects and which steps should we take next?
    • 6. Wrap up & Goodbye

Requirements

  • The Data Expedition can help you to deepen your existing digital skills and to connect the dots between your areas of expertise and technology. Ideally: You have a good understanding of the potentials and challenges of digitization, you are active in a specific field (e.g. education, data journalism) and you want to apply your knowledge in practice. You should be used to working with spreadsheets and other digital tools.
  • laptop (we can provide laptops if needed)

Ressources

Dates