Csc1010-introduction

Csc1010 - introduction

Computing?

This is the "introduction" to the Introduction of Computing. We explore the differences between data, knowledge, and information and their uses. There is a short exercise at the end of the module.

We all have this end user computing frustration.

There are devices that cause frustration.

We have data input that causes frustration.

And sometimes we want to act out our frustration on computers.

Data, information,&Knowledge

This is the "introduction" to the Introduction of Computing. We explore the differences between data, knowledge, and information and their uses. This is a short exercise at the end of the module.

What is data?

What is information?

What is knowledge?

The distribution of understanding

What’s the difference?

• One perspective from Bob Boiko of the University of Washington (video)
• A more detailed explanation

Information = data + context

• Group multiple pieces of data together
• Establish relationships between data items
• Provide context/framework for data
• Interpret resulting combination

Validity of information

• Valid Data ->Valid Information?
• Not necessarily!
  • What if the data is incomplete?
  • What if the data is inaccurate?
  • What if the context for the data is missing?
• If information is invalid, what happens to knowledge?

Where do computers fit in?

• Computers store data.
• Computers process data
• Computers generate information

Data processing examples

• Organize data
• Calculate new data
• Interpret data in a different format
• Spreadsheets
• Database management systems
• Accounting software
• Graphics manipulation programs

Visualation as a tool

• David McCandless uses visualizations to turn large amounts of data into information.
• Ted Talk 2010
• Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom
  • Note his take on the diagram on page 3
• His Information is Beautiful website has many more examples of visualizations of data.

Reflect and investigate

1. Give your own example of valid data producing invalid information.
2. Explore the Information is Beautiful website and find a visualization, either in the blog or the Our Data section, that you think does a particularly good job of turning data into information. Why did you choose this particular item, and what makes it so good?