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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access to lots of high-quality data from reliable sources, it also contains huge amounts of unverified, biased or outdated information.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...