DIG091A • Term 2 Week 1 Lesson 1

Data: What is it? Why should I care?

An interactive introduction to databases, personal data, privacy and how raw data becomes useful information.

Today's Mission

Use a pretend form to discover how small data points can be stored, sorted, analysed and used to make decisions.

Rule: Use safe or fictional examples. Do not type private information into this page.

Intentions Warm up Classify Database Privacy Exit prompt

Learning Intentions

  • Describe the difference between data and information.
  • Analyse real-life examples of personal data collected about individuals.

Success Criteria

  • Define data and information, with examples.
  • Classify items as data or information.
  • Explain how collected data might impact someone.

Warm Up: Read the form

Click each card to identify the kind of data a form might collect. These examples are based on the classroom form, but kept general.

Choose a form question to see how it could be used.

Data or Information?

Click each item, then choose whether it is Data or Information.

Key Difference

TermMeaningExample
DataRaw facts or individual details“Postcode = 4128”
InformationMeaning created by organising or analysing data“Most users come from nearby suburbs.”
Remember: One data point might not mean much. Many data points can reveal patterns, trends and outliers.

What is a Database?

A database is a system where data is stored, organised, searched and managed. In this unit, you will create a flat-file database: one main table of records and fields.

Field

A column, such as Name, Age or Postcode.

Record

One row about one person, item or event.

Table

The whole organised set of fields and records.

Query

A question you ask the database, such as WHERE age < 18.

Where is there data about you?

Click all the places where data about a person might be stored.

Selected: 0 places

Privacy and impact

Collected data can be useful, but it can also affect people.

  • Targeted advertising and recommendations
  • Decisions about access, eligibility or support
  • Incorrect decisions if the data is wrong
  • Privacy risks if too much data is collected

Ethical question: Is this data necessary for the purpose?

AI Connection

AI systems use data to find patterns and make predictions.

Example prompt:
“Analyse this dataset and identify likely trends in social media use by age group.”

AI predictions can be inaccurate or biased, so humans must check the results.

Mini Scenario: Is the decision fair?

Click a scenario, then discuss whether the data use seems fair, unfair or needs more context.

Choose a scenario.

Reflection / Exit Prompt

Answer in your workbook:

What decision could someone make about you using your data?

Would that decision always be fair or accurate? Why?

Progress checklist

  • ☐ I can explain data vs information.
  • ☐ I can identify data collected on a form.
  • ☐ I can explain how data can become useful information.
  • ☐ I can identify one privacy risk.