Future Pathways Program provides a passport to navigate the education and technology landscapes

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Thursday, November 30^th,2023 the Peel District School Board (PDSB) and Canada Learning Code entered into a partnership in collaboration with Google Canada to support students through the Future Pathways program. Details about this partnership were released in a press release revealing that the students and staff will be able to acquire foundational skills in data analytical skills. The majority of students who are in Grades 11 and Grade 12 will be sent to obtain free access and wrap-around support that will enable them to obtain the Google Data Analytics Certificate program.

The field of Data Analytics is a burgeoning one. It is the: collection, transformation, and organization of data in order to: draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision-making. It is a distinct field from data analysis which is a subcategory of data analytics that deals specifically with extracting meaning from data. Data Analytics includes processes beyond analysis including data science (using data to theorize and forecast), and data engineering (building data systems).

Data Analytics has a wide range of applications in many fields such as: e-commerce, entertainment, manufacturing marketing, finance and tech.

There are four types of data analytics that diverse organizations can utilize to make data-driven decisions. They are:

• Descriptive analytics tell us what happened
• Diagnostic analytics tells us why something happened
• Predictive analytics tell us what will likely happen in the future
• Prescriptive analytics tell us how to act

Coursera’s 2022 Global Skills identify seven key skills that for data professionals such as:

Data Management:

Everything related to managing and accessing data for reporting, analysis and model building.

Data Visualization:

Creation and study of visual representation of data such: as charts and graphs to tell a story with data.

Machine Learning:

A branch of artificial learning that involves using algorithms to perform computational tasks without explicit instructions.

Math:

The study of numbers and their relationships (including skills like linear algebra and calculus).

Statistical Programming:

Programming languages, like R and Python, used to create statistical models and algorithms.

Statistics

The process of collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data and data trends.

Data Analysis

The process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to discover useful information to drive decision-making.

“CLC brings accessible computer science to communities around the country with educators, designing resources and delivering learning experiences, so everyone can create with technology.” Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education of the PDSB stated. “At Peel District School Board, we recognize that while we are preparing our students for the future, in many ways, the future is now, and we need to capitalize on that. This partnership will provide PDSB students with a unique, competitive advantage, while removing financial barriers toward this certification. I look forward to seeing the expansion of this partnership with Canada Learning Code in the years to come.”

Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO of the Canada Learning Code stated, “At the heart of the partnership between Canada Learning Code (CLC) and the Peel District School Board (PDSB) lies the shared belief in the transformative power of education and recognition that educational journeys are more diverse today than ever before. By offering PDSB students with access to tech education that may be outside of a traditional trajectory, we equip them with more than just opportunity; we provide a passport to navigate the education and technology landscapes. Investing in our youth’s digital literacy and creating innovative pathways to careers is imperative in building a better and more inclusive future.”