Click, Connect, Compute: Data, Big and Small

Data science fundamentals, using clear, expert explanations and comic illustrations to spark interest and enthusiasm in the next generation of computer scientists!Data, Big and Small delves into the details behind computer science data and information, which help people and organisations to make decisions. Learn how and why data are created, stored and shared. Find out how we make sense of information through graphs, maps and pictures, and understand how machines learn from the data that we feed them. The end of the book fast-forwards to the future of computer science, data and robotics, and considers what it might mean to live in a 'smarter' world.The Click, Connect, Compute series untangles the computer science web and teaches children about the essentials of computer software, hardware and digital literacy as well as discussing the ethics surrounding this evolving field. Featuring fun, friendly comic strip illustrations, pioneer bios and a quiz, this is a perfect read for children aged 8+.Written in a clear, thoughtful way by computer science expert, Dr. Dharini Balasubramaniam, a strong advocate for ethics and education in her field.Contents: What are data? / Data, information and knowledge / Data are vital / Where do data come from? / Getting the format right / Storing all those data / The value is in the processing / Picture it! / Big data / Getting the most out of data / Keeping data secure / A trip into the future of data ... / Pioneer portraits / Further information / Glossary / Quiz yourself! / IndexBooks in the series: Computer Science Essentials / Data, Big and Small / Smart Machines / The Languages of Programming

Dharini Balasubramaniam (Author) Dr. Dharini Balasubramaniam is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of St Andrews in the UK. She briefly worked in software industry before turning to academia. She has taught Computer Science from first year to Masters level for a number of years. Her research interests are diverse, and include software systems, ethics in Computer Science, digital literacy and Computer Science education. She is particularly passionate about promoting Computer Science to school pupils as an exciting and accessible subject with wide-ranging career options. She enjoys reading, wildlife photography and long walks.Luke Séguin-Magee (Illustrator) Luke Séguin-Magee illustrates children's books and his own comics. He likes to wear a straw hat in the summer, pretend he can make music on his Cavaquinho, entertain his four kids and wife, chop wood, drink espresso and ride his bike. Luke hails from Canada and resides in Stockholm.