Analysis of Discrepancies in Learning Awareness of Data Science Across Disciplines

A Case Study of Nihon Uni-versity, College of Humanities and Sciences

Authors

  • Eriko TANAKA Nihon University
  • Takaaki OHKAWAUCHI Nihon University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52731/lir.v004.321

Keywords:

data science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, curriculum

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for data science education alongside rapid advancements in technology, particularly in AI. However, despite various attempts to innovate curricula and teaching methods at universities, there is limited research on students' awareness of their learning needs in this field. Hence, this study investigated the recognition of the importance of data science and willingness to take related courses among a diverse range of students, includ-ing those from both scientific and non-scientific disciplines. The results revealed that although 90% of the students recognized the necessity of data science in the future, less than half were considering taking related courses. In our faculty, we are considering measures, such as compul-sory courses and certification systems, to enhance students' knowledge and skills in data science and make them more accessible to a wider range of students. This paper summarizes the back-ground and findings of the study.

References

Japanese Cabinet Office, “Society 5.0 - Science and Technology Policy - (in Japanese),” https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/society5_0/ (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Japanese Cabinet Office, “The Vision of a Hyper-Smart Society and Initiatives Toward a Hy-per-Smart Society (in Japanese),” https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/tyousakai/kiban/3kai/siryo1. pdf (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Japanese Cabinet Office, “Human-centered AI Social Principles (in Japanese),” Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/aigensoku.pdf (ac-cessed 15-Apr-2024).

Japanese Cabinet Office, “Overview of the AI strategy 2019 and Status of Initiatives (in Jap-anese),” Director-General for Policy Coordination, Cabinet Office, https://www5.cao.go.jp/ keizai-shimon/kaigi/special/reform/wg7/20191101/shiryou1.pdf (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Approved Program for Mathematics, Data science and AI Smart Higher Education, designated (in Japanese),” https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/suuri_datascience_ai/00001.htm (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

National Institute of Science and Technology, “Status of Students in Higher Education Insti-tutions (in Japanese),” https://www.nistep.go.jp/sti_indicator/2022/RM318_32.html (ac-cessed 15-Apr-2024).

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Publication of the 2021 Basic School Survey (in Japanese),” https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20211222-mxt_ chousa01-000019664-1.pdf (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Google, “Google Trends,” https://trends.google.co.jp/trends (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Davenport, T. H., Patil, D. J., “Data scientist”. Harvard business review, Vol.90(5), pp.70-76, 2012.

Peter Naur, “Concise Survey of Computer Methods,” Petrocelli Books, 1974.

Wu, C. F. J., “Statistics = Data Science?,” in 7th series of P. C. Mahalanobis Memorial Lec-tures, 1997. http://www2.isye.gatech.edu/~jeffwpresentations/datascience.pdf (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Wing, J. M., “The Data Life Cycle, ” Harvard Data Science Review, Vol.1(1), 2019.

American Statistical Association, “ASA Newsroom,” https://www.amstat.org/ASA/News-room.aspx (accessed 15-Apr-2024).

Pedersen, A.Y., Caviglia, F., “Data literacy as a compound competence”. In T. Antipova & A. Rocha (Eds.), Digital science, Vol.850, pp.166–173, 2019.

Cassel, L., & Topi, H. “Strengthening Data Science Education Through Collaboration. Al-exandria”, Virginia: National Science Foundation, 2016.

Cao, L., “Data science: A comprehensive overview,” ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), Vol.50(3), pp.1-42, 2017.

Clancy, T. R., Bowles, K. H., Gelinas, L., Androwich, I., Delaney, C., Matney, S., Sensmeier, J., Warren, J., Welton, J., & Westra, B., “A call to action: Engage in big data science,” Nursing Outlook, Vol.62(1), pp.64-65, 2014.

Gold, M., McClarren, R., & Gaughan, C., “The lessons Oscar taught us: Data science and media & entertainment,” Big Data, Vol.1(2), pp.105-109, 2013.

J. Engel, “Statistical literacy for active citizenship: A call for data science education,” Statis-tics Education Research Journal, Vol.16(1), pp.44-49, 2017.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “Data Science for Undergrad-uates: Opportunities and Options,” Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2018.

Downloads

Published

2024-09-15