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Press release

Starting signal for the future: Toolbox Data Literacy – The platform for data literacy goes live

Berlin/Leipzig, 19th September 2023: With a powerful departure into the digital future, the ambitious research project “Toolbox Datenkompetenz” (Toolbox Data Literacy) of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launches today in a beta version. With a total of 8.79 million euros in funding, the TBDK is producing an innovative platform that provides unrestricted access to data literacy for the German public at large.

The ambitious goal of the project is to empower people across Germany with basic data skills using a comprehensive training and tool platform. In this way, the Federal Government’s data strategy comes alive and can be experienced as we move forward together into a digitised future.

With the beta launch, a first version of the training and tool platform is officially available to all as of today. TBDK inspires with a wealth of features and course content to expand one’s knowledge and skills around data and artificial intelligence. With the beta launch, the TBDK team wants to actively collect feedback from users in order to further improve the platform for the remaining project period and to adapt it even more to the needs of users.

Commenting on the Toolbox Data Literacy, Mario Brandenburg, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, said:

“I am confident that the Toolbox Data Literacy will bring about a positive change in the data literacy landscape and contribute to our citizens being able to act confidently and securely in the digital world. Our goal is to make the best possible use of the potential of digitalisation and at the same time raise awareness for responsible data use. The Toolbox Data Literacy is an important step on this path and shows that we, as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, are actively shaping the digital future of our country.”

Highlights of the TBDK platform:

1 Versatile courses for more data literacy:
The platform offers a first selection of internal and external courses on data literacy. Users can choose between different courses and view the details, including course content and schedule. The TBDK internal courses are divided into modules, chapters and lessons to make individual learning progress measurable. Interactivity is emphasised: Texts, images, PDF files and videos accompany the participants’ learning.

2 Programming environment:
Another highlight is the introduction of an integrated programming environment in the form of a freely accessible “Jupyter notebook”, which invites users to try things out creatively and apply them practically. The interactive nature of the Jupyter notebooks encourages learners to try different approaches and visualise the results immediately. In addition, the Jupyter environment serves as a key technology for building the future platform modules, so that the TBDK continues to grow into a dynamic place of learning.

3 Interactive forum for the data community:
The forum on the TBDK platform is a place of encounter and lively exchange. Users have the opportunity to hold public discussions and ask questions. Special course-related forums promote direct exchange on course content. This creates a community that learns from each other and supports each other. A text editor with code window improves the presentation of programme code and admin management functions facilitate the management of the forum.

Voices from the project team:

The project partners, the Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V. from Leipzig and StackFuel GmbH from Berlin, are responsible for the implementation. Their focus is on the development of an infrastructure that allows users to build up data and tool competences in order to be well prepared for the future.

Stefan Berntheisel, Co-Founder and CTO of StackFuel GmbH:

“The technical implementation of the Data Literacy Toolbox was a challenge that we at StackFuel were happy to take on. We developed a user-friendly platform based on state-of-the-art technologies with freely accessible data tools and interactive courses. It was particularly important to us to integrate a coding environment and a lively forum to make the learning process as interactive and hands-on as possible. We are pleased that we can make an important contribution to the promotion of digital skills in Germany with the Toolbox Data Literacy.”

Dr. Christian Zinke-Wehlmann, Head of the Competence Centre “Artificial Human Intelligent (KMI)” at the Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V.:

“The curated courses and learning modules on the Toolbox Data Literacy cover a wide range of topics that are necessary for the acquisition of basic data literacy skills. We focus on didactically sound teaching of the content and practical application to ensure sustainable understanding. We want to help our users to orient themselves in the world of data, to be able to deal critically with data but also with data products (e.g. artificial intelligence), to make data-based decisions and to fully exploit their potential in dealing with data.”

Outlook for 2024: With TBDK to a data-competent society

The TBDK team is not only looking at the launch, but also into the future! Further exciting developments are planned for 2024 that will make the platform even more interactive and practice-oriented. With the “Data Spaces”, topic-specific data rooms are being created in which users can access different data sets and work collaboratively on projects and prototypes in order to deepen their skills in dealing with real data problems. The introduction of data competitions, the “Data Challenges”, also creates an exciting opportunity to prove the skills learned in a competitive environment.

The beta launch marks the beginning of a new era in data literacy! See for yourself and visit the platform at: https://beta.toolboxdatenkompetenz.de

About the research project:

The research project is funded within the framework of the measure “Funding for the design of the digital education space” of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and runs from 15.12.2021 to 14.12.2024.

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Blog

Recap 2nd Offline Project Meeting

With success and lots of momentum into the next project phase!

The StackFuel and InfAI teams behind the Toolbox Datenkompetenz (“toolbox data literacy”) project have met again for a joint exchange to talk about the progress of the project, explore upcoming goals and celebrate successes.

Although most of the work on the project takes place remotely, face-to-face meetings are invaluable in strengthening team cohesion and promoting the exchange of ideas. This time, the project meeting took place in Leipzig on the premises of the Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V.. Here was the opportunity to see new and old faces of both teams (again) and to talk intensively about the research and development work.

The meeting started with insights and updates from the individual work areas of the project on research, technical development of the platform as well as communication measures and networking activities. Each sub-working group had the opportunity to present their results so far and to clarify questions from the other team members. After a joint creative phase in which new ideas for the further development of the platform were collected and played through, the roadmap for the further term and the upcoming goals was discussed.

At the end of the meeting, there was an atmosphere of optimism and satisfaction. The cooperation and knowledge sharing between the teams are helping to keep the project on a very good track.

After a productive day, the team enjoyed lunch together and celebrated the project successes so far. With anticipation, StackFuel and InfAI team members look forward to upcoming meetings and the remaining project time.

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Beirat Blog

First advisory board meeting

What a kick-off! Today, 18.04.2023, the first advisory board meeting in our project “Toolbox Datenkompetenz” took place! The aim of this meeting was to give the participants an overview of the project and to present the current state of research as well as the development of the platform so far.

A special moment was the introduction of the advisory board members. It was great to see how committed and motivated each member is in relation to the topic of data literacy. It was also a great opportunity to hear what experience and skills each person brings and how the project can benefit from them.

Another important point of the meeting was the Q&A, where the TBDK team was able to address any questions the new advisory board had. The members of the advisory board contributed many valuable ideas and suggestions here, which will be implemented in the coming weeks and months.

Afterwards, the next steps in terms of cooperation with the advisory board and opportunities for networking were discussed. Plans for future meetings and joint work on further aspects of the project were discussed.

The first advisory board meeting represents an important milestone in the project’s progress. The TBDK team is proud to work with such an experienced and competent advisory board and is confident that with this valued support the project will be a complete success. We are grateful for the input and look forward to a successful collaboration in the coming months

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The TBDK at the Bitkom Education Conference 2023

Last Wednesday, our Toolbox Data Literacy project was presented at the Bitkom Education Conference 2023 by TBDK research project manager Dr Christian Zinke-Wehlmann.

During the presentation, Dr Zinke-Wehlmann discussed the importance of data literacy as a key skill for navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape and emphasised the need for accessible and inclusive educational resources that enable individuals to develop their data literacy skills regardless of background or prior knowledge. The Toolbox Data Literacy project was presented as a potential solution to this challenge. It will provide a comprehensive set of tools and resources that can be tailored to different learning needs and contexts.

The project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, was presented to nearly 180 participants who wanted to learn more about the current state of research on the topic and the role of the emerging learning platform in developing data literacy in society.

Overall, the presentation offered valuable insights into the importance of data literacy in the context of the digital transformation and demonstrated the potential of the TBDK project to contribute to the development of a more data literate society in Germany.

The presentation is available for re-watch via the video above and on Bitkom’s YouTube channel.

The TBDK team would like to thank Bitkom for the successful event and organisation!

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Blog Press release

Introducing the Advisory Board with high-ranking representatives from business, politics and research

Berlin/Leipzig, 09.03.2023 – High-ranking personalities have been appointed to the advisory board for the “Toolbox Datenkompetenz (TBDK)” (Data Literacy Toolbox) funding project of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project partners, the Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V. and StackFuel GmbH, were able to recruit renowned representatives from politics, business and civil society. The advisory board supports the project partners in the implementation of the Toolbox Data Literacy and provides feedback on ongoing developments.

The constituent meeting of the advisory board is planned for the first half of 2023.

Advisory Board

  • Mohanna Azarmandi – Chief Learning Officer, Cariad SE
  • Nicole Büttner – Co-Founder & Chier Executive Officer, Merantix Momentum GmbH
  • Dr. Julia Freudenberg – Chief Executive Officer, Hacker School gGmbH
  • Nicole Gerhardt – Chief Human Resources Officer, Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
  • Daniel Krupka – Chief Executive Officer, Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI)
  • Dr. Michael Müller-Wunsch – Chief Information Officer, Otto GmbH & Co KG
  • Claudia Pohlink – Chief Expert Data, Deutsche Bahn AG
  • Jonas Rashedi – Chief Data Officer, FUNKE Mediengruppe GmbH & Co. KGaA
  • Kristian Schalter – Director Strategy & Digital Transformation, Bundesvereinigung der Deutschen Arbeitgeberverbände e.V.
  • Carsten Trappe – Department Head of Division, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

The current ten members of the advisory board will be supplemented with others as the project progresses.

The research project “Toolbox Datenkompetenz” is developing a Germany-wide digital tool and training platform dedicated to building basic and advanced data literacy skills. With the project, which started in December 2021, the project partners Institut für Angewandte Informatik (InfAI) e.V. from Leipzig and StackFuel GmbH from Berlin will build an infrastructure with the help of which the data strategy and the digitisation project of the Federal Government will be sustainably supported across society in order to be able to look to the future safely and well prepared.

By 2024, the project partners from Leipzig and Berlin will jointly develop a digital learning world around the topic of data that includes easy-to-understand learning materials and interactive practical tasks. The TBDK will support people in independently setting and expanding learning priorities and goals. In this way, a broad, digital learning and tool offer will be established that will contribute to the development of data literacy in Germany in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

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Blog

Recap Offline Project Meeting

Most of our work on the Toolbox Data Literacy is done remotely. Not only because many of the people involved work from home, but also because StackFuel and InfAI have their offices in different cities (Berlin and Leipzig). Finally, the Toolbox Data Literacy itself will be a learning platform that will enable data literacy learning from anywhere.

Nevertheless: it is simply nice to meet from person to person every now and then. Therefore, the joy at StackFuel’s Berlin headquarters was particularly great to meet many familiar faces from Leipzig for once “in real”, at the extensive exchange between the research and development teams.

At the beginning of the meeting, the individual groups from research, development and science communication presented their project results to date. Afterwards, the goals for the coming period were discussed and set so that the team and the TBDK can start successfully into the new year 2023. Future milestones in the development of the platform, first publications and planned networking events were discussed.

The exchange was intensive, the discussion lively. In the end, we realised that we are already on a very good path and that the result will be great. In an illustrious round, there was still the pleasure of lunch together after work. The teams are already looking forward to the next meeting!

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Press release

Parliamentary State Secretary Mario Brandenburg on “Toolbox Datenkompetenz”: Data literacy skills of all people must be expanded”.

With the project “Toolbox Data Competence (TBDK)”, the BMBF is funding the nationwide development of data competence with 8.79 million euros.

Berlin/Leipzig, 15.08.2022 – The research project “Toolbox Datenkompetenz (TBDK)” (Toolbox Data Literacy) is developing a Germany-wide digital tool and training platform dedicated to building basic and advanced data skills. With the project, which started in December 2021, the project partners Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V. from Leipzig and StackFuel GmbH from Berlin will build an infrastructure that will help to sustainably support the data strategy and the digitisation project of the Federal Government across society in order to be able to look to the future in a data-secure and well-prepared manner.

Parliamentary State Secretary Mario Brandenburg explains: 

“The digital transformation is in full swing. Digitisation is making itself felt in almost all areas of life – be it in everyday life or in professional activities. This also means that very many people need basic data skills to find their way in the digital world. With the Toolbox Data Literacy project, the BMBF is funding two empowered partners so that we can enable citizens all over Germany to build up their data literacy skills so that they feel confident in dealing with data.”

By 2024, researchers from Leipzig and Berlin will jointly develop a digital learning world that includes easy-to-understand learning materials and interactive practical tasks. The Data Literacy Toolbox will support people in setting and expanding their own learning priorities and goals. In this way, a broad, digital learning and tool offer will be established that will help to enable the development of data literacy skills in Germany in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

Download the factsheet here (in German)

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Press release

Toolbox Datenkompetenz: The digital learning platform for sustainable data literacy development

Leipzig/Berlin – 09 August 2022 – Safe handling of data is a non-trivial requirement in the age of digitalisation. But how can it be ensured that there are low-threshold learning opportunities that cover the different needs in the population?

This is where the new research project “Toolbox Datenkompetenz (TBDK)” (Toolbox Data Literacy) comes in: The aim of the project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 8.79 million euros, is to develop a Germany-wide digital tool and training platform dedicated to building basic data skills. With the project, which started in December 2021, the project partners Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) e.V. from Leipzig and StackFuel GmbH from Berlin will build an infrastructure that will help to sustainably support the data strategy and the digitisation project of the Federal Government across society in order to be able to look to the future in a data-secure and well-prepared manner.

By 2024, researchers from Leipzig and Berlin will jointly develop a digital learning world that includes easy-to-understand learning materials and interactive practical tasks. The Data Literacy Toolbox will support people in independently setting and expanding learning priorities and goals.

Leo Marose, CEO and CO-Founder of StackFuel GmbH clarifies this: “The TBDK offers nationwide online access as well as the free use of online-based data technology. It is particularly important to us that all people in Germany are enabled to flexibly use the platform for independent further education within the framework of an application-oriented learning offer.”

Dr. Christian Zinke-Wehlmann, Head of the Competence Centre at the InfAI, adds: “In order to achieve this, a large number of people from different areas of society are involved in the development – from school to vocational training. Data literacy is understood here as a cross-cutting issue that forms the basis for participation and shaping a world driven by data.”

The “Toolbox Datenkompetenz” research project develops a broad, digital learning and tool offer and thus contributes to enabling the development of data literacy in Germany on a nationwide and sustainable basis.

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