Datafront Skill Surge: Tracking physical activity & health

Course description

What do we mean when we talk about administrative data? Why is administrative data considered such a powerful tool?

Routinely collected administrative data captures interactions across the entire population, offering an unparalleled breadth and depth of information.

This on-demand series aims to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills to harness data for societal and sustainable change. This series covers important topics such as the use of administrative data in policymaking, circular economy models, climate resilience, and the impact of digital media on behaviour, with emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies to address global challenges.

Participants will gain insights from experts, study case studies, and explore practical examples that illustrate how data-driven approaches and emerging technologies are transforming urban planning, agriculture, and health – that will empower researchers to shape the future of the data landscape!

• Session 27 will explore how digital tools are shaping our health routines, their advantages, potential risks, and what the future holds for personal health tracking.

 

Learning mode

On-demand, self-paced 

 

Who should attend

This course is intended for:

• Data Analysts and Researchers: Those working with administrative or big data who want to deepen their understanding of its characteristics and uses.
• Policymakers and Government Officials: Decision-makers who rely on data to shape public policies.
• Public Sector Managers: Managers in government institutions seeking to optimise data usage for service improvements.
• Health and Social Care Professionals: Individuals looking to use data for improving service delivery and outcomes.
• Urban Planners and Public Health Professionals: Individuals interested in using administrative data to inform planning and health policies.

 

Aims and objectives

• Understand the role of digital tracking in personal health management.
• Explore the evolution and impact of wearables and AI-driven health insights.
• Anticipate future trends in digital health and well-being management.

 

Skills area and competencies

Based on the Datacise Open Learning framework, the relevant skills and competencies for this video include:

Skills Areas:

• Digital Health Literacy: Understanding how wearables and AI-driven tools shape health monitoring.
• AI & Analytics Interpretation: Understanding how AI personalises fitness and health recommendations.
• Strategic Digital Engagement: Learning how to integrate technology into daily health practices.

Competencies:

• Analysing personal health data responsibly to inform lifestyle choices.
• Navigating data privacy concerns in wearables and health platforms.
• Applying digital well-being strategies to maintain a balanced approach to health tracking.

 

Pre-requisite

• Basic familiarity with health and fitness tracking apps or wearables.
• General awareness of AI-driven recommendations in healthcare.
• Interest in digital well-being and responsible health data usage.

 

Learning outcomes

• Assess the impact of AI and automation in personal health monitoring.
• Evaluate privacy concerns and ethical considerations in digital health.
• Differentiate between clinically validated health data and general wellness tracking.

 

Transferable skills

• Digital Adaptability: Navigating emerging health technologies.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Evaluating privacy and security risks in digital health.
• Technology Evaluation: Understanding strengths and limitations of health-tracking devices.

 

Assessment

Multiple choice quiz to self-check understanding. 

 

This training content was originally developed and produced by Professor Adam Chee, Datacise Education Lead at Swansea University, with narration enhanced by advanced text-to-speech technology.