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Self-paced data literacy courses from the ODI

Build essential data skills and practical expertise - at a pace that’s right for you

Inspired by the ODI’s research, frameworks and tools, our CPD-accredited, self-paced courses enable you to get value from data, by applying critical thinking and practical skills. With an AI tutoring assistant, interactive content, and hands-on assignments, you can comfortably develop your data literacy at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want.

Start with a free bite-sized course to develop foundational skills, then advance your career and build effective data practices into your work on one of our professional programs.

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How our self-paced courses work.

Our courses will help you apply data skills, tools and frameworks in ways that make a positive impact in your work, because each online module is designed for active engagement and authentic action.

What you learn and how you learn it is based on a decade of ODI research and action - working with, training and advising data-intensive organisations like Google, Barclays and the Singapore Government.  

Each ODI self-paced course includes:

  • Interactive, mobile-friendly content.
  • Accessible materials that use simple, non-technical language.
  • An AI tutoring assistant.
  • Hands-on exercises.
  • Support from the ODI team (professional programmes only)
  • Knowledge checks and quizzes.
  • 6-month access to the content and our learning platform.
  • A certificate of achievement from the Open Data Institute.

Our courses

course_thumbnails_DEP Certified Programme
Data ethics professional

This course aims to certify those who can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and ability, to apply tools and help others make better use of data, whilst minimising harmful impacts...

  • Blended
  • 60h
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SP cource icons_stategic data skills SP-1 Learning programme
Strategic data skills

A comprehensive course designed for individuals seeking to work strategically with data without delving into complex programming concepts.

  • Options
  • 15h | 48h
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ODI-open-data-graphic-640x453-27-640x453-1 Expert Led
Introduction to data ethics and responsible AI

This three-hour online course gives an introduction to the concept of data ethics, how it is addressed in other domains, and how data ethics can be applied to help ...

  • Expert Led
  • 3h
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SP cource icons_AI and Data ethics SP-1 Learning Programme
Understanding data ethics & AI

Knowledge and tools to understand the realm of data ethics and apply them effectively in professional settings. Examine data ethics within your professional practice.

  • Self-Paced
  • 15h
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ODI-train-trainer-graphic-640x453 Expert Led
Generative AI: Driving Innovation in Data Practices

Explore the innovative opportunities generative AI brings to data practices, and discover practical tools and strategies for responsible analysis and decision-making.

  • Expert Led
  • 6h
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ODI-machine-learning-graphic-640x453 Expert Led
Applying machine learning & AI techniques to data

Learn to apply machine learning and AI techniques to data, discover how ethical frameworks help avoid teaching bad habits.

  • Expert Led
  • 5h
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ODI-open-data-graphic-640x453-1-640x453 Expert Led
Open data in a day

Learn how to discover, use and describe the benefits of open data, and how it impacts your organisation on this live, instructor-led, online and interactive course.

  • Expert Led
  • 6h
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linked data-image Learning Programme
Publishing open linked data

Explore the foundational concepts of open data publication. Learn the intricacies of linked data, how to create linked data from existing tabular datasets, and discover strategies for creating new vocabularies when needed. 

  • Expert Led
  • 4 x 3.5hrs
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ODI-finding-stories-graphic-640x453 Learning Programme
Building healthy data ecosystems

Our experts help you address common fears and misconceptions that can stop data getting to those who need it. 

  • Expert Led
  • 4 x 2.5h
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ODI-anonymisation-graphic-640x453 Expert Led
Anonymisation is for everyone

This course will introduce the latest thinking on anonymisation and work through a practical exercise in anonymising data while maintaining utility and minimising risk.

  • Expert Led
  • 2h
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Building a healthy data ecosystem

Upskill in the foundations of data and learn how to embed a robust and efficient data infrastructure.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2.5h
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cource icons_micro-validating data Quick Learning
Organising and validating data

Learn best practices to clean data, improve its quality, accuracy and reliability. Gain confidence in working and managing data.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3.5h
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cource icons_micro-data-analysis Quick Learning
An introduction to data analysis
Learn the basics of how to analyse data. Evaluate data from different sources ensuring quality.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3.5h
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cource icons_micro-telling stories Quick Learning
Telling stories with data

Develop the ability to communicate complex data findings effectively. Craft compelling narratives using storytelling techniques.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3h
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The foundations of ethical decision making

Explore different ethical frameworks, their strengths, their weaknesses and application to AI.

  • Self-Paced
  • 1.5h
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Legal and regulatory frameworks

Learn about the pivotal regulations across all phases of the data lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on emerging AI regulations.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2h
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Ethics and personal data

Develop the skills to handle personal data responsibly. Mitigate the risks whilst maintaining the utility of data.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2h
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Ethics in data collection

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of data collection with ethics and integrity.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2.5h
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Bias and fairness in data and AI

Develop your understanding of bias in data and algorithms and actively identify instances of bias in real-world datasets.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3h
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Transparency and explainability in data
Learn to implement techniques for developing AI models that are explainable and interpretable.
  • Self-Paced
  • 2h
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Tools and frameworks in evaluating ethical data practices

Practical tools and frameworks to assess and enhance ethical data practices.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2h
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ODI-train-trainer-graphic-640x453 Certified Programme
Train the trainer

Our Train the Trainer programme aims to enable you to become an ODI Registered Trainer. Ideal for those who are beginning to teach others about open data ...

  • Expert Led
  • 1 Week
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ODI-machine-learning-graphic-640x453 FREE Course
Open data essentials [FREE]

This programme has been designed to enable you to discover what open data is and how it is changing the lives of everyone on our planet.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3h
Start the Course
ODI-finding-stories-graphic-640x453 Free Course
Finding stories in data [FREE]

When effectively analysed and presented in a clear and compelling way, data has the potential to create impact.

  • Self-Paced
  • 3h
Start the Course
SP cource icons_AI and Data ethics SP-1 Free Course
Data ethics essentials [FREE]

Embrace AI with Confidence by explore the fundamental principles and real-world applications of ethical data handling, ensuring you stay ahead in this data-driven world.

  • Self-Paced
  • 2.5h
Start the Course

So what are the benefits of self-paced learning?

1. Flexibility
Flexibility: Self-paced courses offer flexibility in terms of when and where learners can access the course materials. Learners can study at their own pace, fitting their learning around their personal and professional commitments. This flexibility is especially valuable for individuals who have work or family responsibilities, allowing them to balance their various obligations more effectively.
2. Self-paced learning
Self-paced learning: In online courses, learners have the freedom to progress through the course material at their preferred speed. They can spend more time on challenging concepts or quickly move through familiar topics. This personalised approach to learning enables individuals to focus on their specific needs and learning preferences, maximising their understanding and retention of the content.
3. Accessibility
Accessibility: Self-paced courses make education and professional development more accessible to a wider range of learners. Learners from different time zones, with varying work schedules, or with physical limitations can participate in courses without being bound by specific lesson times or physical attendance requirements. This inclusivity promotes equal opportunities for education and allows individuals to learn from anywhere in the world.
4. Increased engagement
Increased engagement: Some learners may feel more comfortable and engaged in an asynchronous learning environment. They have the opportunity to reflect on the material, produce work, and ask questions without time pressure. This can lead to deeper understanding, critical thinking, and active participation, as learners have more time to process information and formulate thoughtful responses.
5. Improved self-discipline and time management
Improved self-discipline and time management: Self-paced courses require learners to take responsibility for managing their time effectively. This can help individuals develop valuable skills in self-discipline, organisation, and time management, which are essential for success in various aspects of life.

“This course has given me the confidence to talk about data analysis and visualisation and understand how the data we use and how we share it is changing and what that means for data providers and everyone who uses data."

 

Strategic Data Skills, 2022

Philippa Vigano, Innovative Technologies Programme Manager, NatureScot

“Amazing course with hands-on activities that allows me to learn about how to organise and collect data. It's very interesting to see how the data could be transformed into powerful stories that make an impact."

 

Strategic Data Skills, 2022

Inspired by data pioneers, built for you

At a time when businesses are trying to get value from AI and data it’s more important than ever to understand the landscape, filter out the noise and set a clear direction.

The Open Data Institute is a world-leading research and training institution founded by the creator of the web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and AI pioneer Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. Our research, training and practical work helps people, companies and governments build data infrastructure that benefits all.

More than 52,000 people worldwide have developed their data literacy using the ODI’s self-guided training.

Created by a team of data specialists and learning designers, the Strategic Data Skills course will guide you as you turn theory into practice, and as you step-up to play a strategic role in helping your organisation get value from data.

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Register your interest in our self-paced courses

Take the first step towards continuous professional development

Would you like to develop data skills across your whole team or organisation?


Our courses can be run for groups of up to 14 people. And, we can tailor our content to your context and needs. We can work with you to identify the data skills required across your business, creating training that meets your organisation’s needs. Our training approaches include: E-learning, Interactive and virtual workshops, Games and Blended learning programmes.

Contact our Data Skills Experts to discuss how we can improve your organisations data literacy.

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