Module One

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Data Foundations

Learning Outcomes

This module introduces core concepts related to understanding data and using it responsibly. Participants explore what data is, how it becomes information and knowledge, and why it is treated as a strategic government asset. Emphasis is placed on ethical use of data, mandated roles such as data stewards and consumers, legal considerations (including OCAP® principles), and recognizing common biases that can affect analysis and decision-making.

Learning outcome one

Understand what data is and why it is important.

Learning outcome two

Review different types of data and why it matters in a financial context.

Learning outcome three

Understand the ethical implications of using, storing and manipulating data.

Course Content

1.1.1 ACFO IDF Data Awareness What is Data

Video: 1.1.1 ACFO IDF Data Awareness What is Data

Slides: 1.1.1 ACFO IDF Data Awareness What is Data Slides

1.1.2 – IDF – Data Awareness – How We Use Data

Video: 1.1.2 – IDF – Data Awareness – How We Use Data

Slides: 1.1.2 – IDF – Data Awareness – How We Use Data slides

1.1.3 ACFO IDF Data Awareness Data Roles and Responsibilities

Video: 1.1.3 – IDF – Data Awareness – Data Roles & Responsibilities

Slides: 1.1.3 – IDF – Data Awareness – Data Roles & Responsibilities slides

1.1.4 – IDF – Data Awareness – Strategic Government Asset

Video: 1.1.4 – IDF – Data Awareness – Strategic Government Asset

Slides: 1.1.4 – IDF – Data Awareness – Strategic Government Asset slides

1.2.1 – IDF – Data Ethics – Basics

Video: 1.2.1 – IDF – Data Ethics – Basics

Slides: 1.2.1 – IDF – Data Ethics – Basics slides

1.2.2 – IDF – Data Ethics – Best Practices

Video: 1.2.2 – IDF – Data Ethics – Best Practices

Slides: 1.2.2 – IDF – Data Ethics – Best Practices slides

1.2.3 – IDF – Data Ethics – Biases

Video: 1.2.3 – IDF – Data Ethics – Biases

Slides: 1.2.3 – IDF – Data Ethics – Biases slides

1.2.4 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and AI

Video: 1.2.4 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and AI

Slides: 1.2.4 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and AI slides

1.2.5 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and Data

Video: 1.2.5 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and Data

Slides: 1.2.5 – IDF – Data Ethics – Ethics and Data slides

Exercises & Additional Resources

Exercise instructions

Module 1 – Data Foundations (docx)

Module 1 – Data Foundations (PDF)

Datasets

GoC Financial Sample Data (Clean)

GoC Financial Sample Data (Dirty)

Additional Resources

DUDADS (vol 1) – Prelude to Data Understanding

DUDADS (vol 2) – Fundamentals of Data Insight

DUDADS (vol 3) – Spotlight on Machine Learning

DUDADS (vol 4) – Techniques of Data Analysis

Reading and Viewing List

The Practice of Data Visualization

Gapminder exercises

Lab 1 – January 15th, 2026 @ 13:00 EST

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