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      Investigating digital inclusion using data

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can interpret real-world data sets to investigate digital inclusion and access to digital tools.

      Key learning points

      1. Data can help us identify patterns in digital access and inequality.
      2. Correlation means a relationship between two variables, but it does not always mean one causes the other.
      3. The PPDAC cycle is a framework for answering real-world problems using data.
      4. Statistics do not always show the full story behind people’s experiences.

      Keywords

      • Data set - a collection of related data that has been structured in some way

      • Correlation - how variables move together, either in the same direction (positive) or in opposite directions (negative)

      • PPDAC - a framework for us to follow when asking and answering real-world problems using data

      Common misconception

      Data sets found online are always accurate and reliable.

      While the internet provides access to lots of high-quality data from reliable sources, it also contains huge amounts of unverified, biased or outdated information. It is important to check the sources of information and verify the data you collect.

      Teacher tip

      There is some sample data provided in the additional material with links to an external data set, but it may be worth sharing a range of data sources with students so they can use multiple sources.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the term to the description.

      Correct Answer:internet,a worldwide network that connects computers

      a worldwide network that connects computers

      Correct Answer:digital device,a piece of technology such as a laptop or smartphone

      a piece of technology such as a laptop or smartphone

      Correct Answer:access,being able to use or obtain something

      being able to use or obtain something

      Correct Answer:inclusion,making sure everyone can take part

      making sure everyone can take part

      Q2.
      Which of the following is the BEST definition of the digital divide?

      the time spent online each day
      Correct answer: the gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who don't
      the difference between mobile phones and laptops

      Q3.
      Which of the following does not impact digital inclusion?

      access to digital devices
      reliable internet connectivity
      digital skills
      Correct answer: owning the newest smartphone model

      Q4.
      Why are charts and graphs used to represent data?

      Correct answer: to help people see patterns, trends and relationships more clearly
      to replace the need for data
      to hide important information

      Q5.
      Digital inclusion is important, because we live in a world where many essential services are ...

      Correct Answer: online

      Q6.
      A family cannot access the internet because they live in a rural area. This is an example of ...

      digital inclusion
      Correct answer: digital exclusion
      high-speed broadband

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a data set?

      a single fact about a topic
      Correct answer: a collection of related data that has been structured in some way
      a graphical representation of data

      Q2.
      A is something that repeats or changes in a predictable way.

      Correct Answer: pattern

      Q3.
      Which is the most accurate definition of correlation?

      one variable always causes another
      Correct answer: two variables move together in some way
      data is always increasing

      Q4.
      Which of the following are part of the PPDAC cycle?

      Correct answer: problem
      Correct answer: plan
      poll
      Correct answer: data
      predict

      Q5.
      During the stage, you create visualisations and look for patterns or trends.

      Correct Answer: analysis

      Q6.
      You notice that as age increases, the percentage of children owning a mobile phone also increases. What is this an example of?

      negative correlation
      Correct answer: positive correlation
      no correlation

      To help you plan your 9 digital literacy lesson on: Investigating digital inclusion using data, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...