ABSTRACT
Big Data is a general concept that presents significant challenges for literacy scholarship and practice. The social uses of data can be seen as a new form of mediated communication that connects with the historical uses of media literacy for creative expression, civic engagement, social capital and power. Massive data collection and analysis present both affordances and constraints for society. Governments struggle to manage this dynamic digital frontier with traditional strategies for media policy and regulation. As a result, the responsibility of individuals to monitor and manage their own personal data is still a priority. In the process, a deeper understanding of Big Data practices requires users to engage with interdisciplinary analysis and production tasks in multiple contexts. An extended vision for media education includes the data fluency needed for critical literacy in the context of Big Data. Data visualization is one strategy that can be used to connect data fluency with traditional media education in the learning environment.
