This course introduces the core principles of data visualization and how to use them to craft compelling narratives. Over eight modules, students will learn how to visualize data effectively, select appropriate charts, and integrate advanced techniques such as interactivity, geospatial mapping, and storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of visualizations that communicate data-driven stories.
This module introduces the core principles and significance of data visualization. Learners will explore the history and development of data visualization, understand how visual perception plays a role in interpreting data, and gain experience creating basic charts like bar charts, line charts, and pie charts.
19th Century Milestones - The Pioneers - p1•6 minutes
19th Century Milestones - The Pioneers - p2•4 minutes
The 20th Century - The Rise of Modern Data Visualization•6 minutes
Data Visualization in the Digital Age•6 minutes
How Humans Perceive Visual Information•6 minutes
Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Pt. 1•5 minutes
Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Pt. 2•5 minutes
Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Tutorial 1•8 minutes
Data Intepretation - Tutorial 2•9 minutes
Managing Cognitive Load in Visualizations•9 minutes
Managing Cognitive Load in Visualizations - Tutorial 3•9 minutes
Designing for Accessibility and Clarity•4 minutes
7 readings•Total 220 minutes
Syllabus•10 minutes
Module 1 Introduction•10 minutes
Introduction to Data Visualization: Why It Matters •60 minutes
History and Key Milestones in Data Visualization•60 minutes
The Role of Visual Perception in Understanding Data•60 minutes
Module 1 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 1 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 1 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Introduction to Data Visualization Quiz•15 minutes
History and Key Milestones in Data Visualization Quiz•15 minutes
The Role of Visual Perception in Understanding Data Quiz•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Meet and Greet Discussion•10 minutes
Module 2: Understanding Data Types and Choosing Visualizations
Module 2•7 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we will explore the foundational concepts of data types and their importance in analysis and visualization. By understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative data and the four levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio), you'll gain the skills to select appropriate visualizations that accurately represent your data. This knowledge forms the basis for creating impactful and meaningful data stories.
Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Data•3 minutes
Characteristics of Qualitative Data•4 minutes
Characteristics of Quantitative Data•3 minutes
When to Use Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data•3 minutes
Overview of Measurement Levels•4 minutes
Nominal and Ordinal Data•4 minutes
Interval and Ratio Data•4 minutes
Why the Data Type Matters•5 minutes
Visualizing Amounts•6 minutes
Visualizing Distributions•5 minutes
Visualizing Proportions•5 minutes
In Review: Matching the Chart to the Story•4 minutes
5 readings•Total 200 minutes
Understanding Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Data•60 minutes
Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio Data Explained•60 minutes
Selecting Visualizations for Different Data Types•60 minutes
Module 2 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 2 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 2 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Understanding Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Data Quiz•15 minutes
Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio Data Explained Quiz•15 minutes
Selecting Visualizations for Different Data Types Quiz•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Activity: Data Type Scavenger Hunt•10 minutes
Module 3: Exploring Relationships and Patterns in Data
Module 3•7 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on visualizing relationships, distributions, and patterns within datasets. You will learn how to use tools like scatter plots, histograms, and box plots to uncover trends, correlations, and outliers, as well as compare datasets effectively. These skills are essential for interpreting data and communicating insights with clarity and precision.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 54 minutes
Module 3 Introduction•2 minutes
Introduction to Bubble Charts•3 minutes
Introduction to Scatter Plots•3 minutes
Understanding the Relationships in Scatter Plots•4 minutes
Using Bubble Charts to Visualize Complex Relationships•9 minutes
Interpreting Histograms•4 minutes
Introduction to Box Plots•4 minutes
Introduction to Histograms•4 minutes
Using Box Plots for Comparative Analysis•4 minutes
Identifying and Interpreting Outliers•4 minutes
Identifying Trends in Data•4 minutes
Understanding Correlations in Data•4 minutes
Visual Comparisons - Side-by-Side Bar Charts and Line Charts•4 minutes
6 readings•Total 210 minutes
Module 3 Introduction•10 minutes
Scatter Plots and Bubble Charts for Relationships•60 minutes
Histograms and Box Plots for Distributions•60 minutes
Identifying Trends, Correlations, and Outliers in Data•60 minutes
Module 3 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 3 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 3 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Scatter Plots and Bubble Charts for Relationships Quiz•15 minutes
Histograms and Box Plots for Distributions Quiz•15 minutes
Identifying Trends, Correlations, and Outliers in Data Quiz•15 minutes
Module 4: Telling Stories with Data
Module 4•7 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, students will explore the art of crafting compelling data-driven narratives. By combining design principles with storytelling techniques, they will learn how to structure data stories that engage and inform their audience. Key topics include the role of storytelling in visualization, creating visual hierarchies to guide viewers, and designing narratives using tools like data dashboards. This module emphasizes the importance of connecting data insights to meaningful messages.
What's included
13 videos5 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 55 minutes
Module 4 Introduction•3 minutes
Case Studies - Effective Data Stories
•9 minutes
Common Pitfalls in Data Storytelling
•4 minutes
Key Components of Data Storytelling•4 minutes
Why Storytelling Matters in Data Visualization•3 minutes
Crafting a Narrative Structure•4 minutes
Identifying Key Messages and Insights•4 minutes
Maintaining Story Flow Across Visuals•4 minutes
Using Data Visuals to Support the Narrative•4 minutes
Avoiding Visual Overload•5 minutes
Size, Color, and Contrast in Visual Hierarchy•4 minutes
Using Layout and Composition of Hierarchy•4 minutes
What is Visual Hierarchy•4 minutes
5 readings•Total 200 minutes
The Role of Storytelling in Data Visualization•60 minutes
Designing a Data-Driven Nature•60 minutes
Creating a Visual Hierarchy to Guide Your Audience•60 minutes
Module 4 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 4 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 4 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
The Role of Storytelling in Data Visualization Quiz•15 minutes
Designing a Data-Driven Nature Quiz•15 minutes
Creating a Visual Hierarchy to Guide Your Audience Quiz•15 minutes
Module 5: Advanced Visualization Techniques
Module 5•8 hours to complete
Module details
Explore advanced techniques for creating more dynamic and interactive visualizations to engage audiences and convey complex insights.
What's included
14 videos5 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
14 videos•Total 123 minutes
Module 5 Introduction•2 minutes
Interactive Visualizations•11 minutes
Benefits of Interactivity in Data Visulaization•6 minutes
Design Principles for Interactive Dashboards•13 minutes
The Swiss Army Knife of Data•11 minutes
Getting Started - PowerBI and Tableau - Part 1•9 minutes
Getting Started - PowerBI and Tableau - Part 2•5 minutes
Introduction to the PowerBI Environment - Part 1•10 minutes
Introduction to the PowerBI Environment - Part 2•6 minutes
Building the Dashboard/Designing the Dashboard - Part 1•12 minutes
Building the Dashboard/Designing the Dashboard - Part 2•13 minutes
The Role of Animation in Data Visualization•9 minutes
Best Practices for Animated Visualizations•8 minutes
Exporting and Integrating Animated Visuals•6 minutes
5 readings•Total 200 minutes
Introduction to Interactive Visualizations and Dashboards•60 minutes
Creating Interactive Visuals with Free Tools (Tableau Public or Power BI)•60 minutes
Incorporating Animation into Visualizations to Enhance Engagement•60 minutes
Module 5 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 5 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 5 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Introduction to Interactive Visualizations and Dashboards Quiz•15 minutes
Creating Interactive Visuals with Free Tools (Tableau Public or Power BI) Quiz•15 minutes
Incorporating Animation into Visualizations to Enhance Engagement Quiz•15 minutes
Module 6: Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization
Module 6•8 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, students will learn how to visualize geographical data using maps and geospatial tools to uncover insights and tell compelling location-based stories.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 135 minutes
Module 6 Introduction•3 minutes
What is Geospatial Data•7 minutes
Why Use Maps for Data Visualization•6 minutes
Common Use Cases for Geospatial Visualization•7 minutes
Key Concepts in Geospatial Visualization•7 minutes
Visualizing Regional Patterns•19 minutes
Heatmaps Visualizing Data Intensity•12 minutes
Scatter Maps Displaying Data Points Across Locations•11 minutes
Comparing Map Types for Specific Insights•6 minutes
Getting Started with QGIS•18 minutes
Importing and Managing Geospatial Data•19 minutes
Applying Styles and Layers to Maps•9 minutes
Exporting and Sharing Maps from QGIS•9 minutes
6 readings•Total 210 minutes
Module 6 Introduction•10 minutes
Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization•60 minutes
Using Choropleth Maps, Heatmaps, and Scatter Maps•60 minutes
Introduction to Free Tools Like QGIS for Geospatial Visualization •60 minutes
Module 6 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 6 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 6 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization Quiz•15 minutes
Using Choropleth Maps, Heatmaps, and Scatter Maps Quiz•15 minutes
Introduction to Free Tools Like QGIS for Geospatial Visualization Quiz•15 minutes
Module 7: Designing for Accessibility and Ethics in Data Visualization
Module 7•8 hours to complete
Module details
This module emphasizes the importance of accessibility and ethical practices in data visualization. Students will learn how to create inclusive visualizations that accommodate diverse audiences and avoid misleading representations. Through practical lessons on accessible design, color schemes, and transparency, students will gain the tools to communicate data responsibly and effectively.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 97 minutes
Module 7 Introduction•3 minutes
Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations•6 minutes
Designing for Screen Readers•8 minutes
Accessible Legends Labels and Font Choices•7 minutes
Interactive Accessible Features•9 minutes
Introduction to Color Choices•8 minutes
Using Contrast and White Space Effectively•8 minutes
Best Practices for Layouts and Chart Design•7 minutes
Testing for Accesssibility•7 minutes
Common Pitfalls in Misleading Visualizations•8 minutes
Transparency in Data Storytelling•11 minutes
Ethical Considerations in Visualizing Sensitive Data•8 minutes
Applying Principles from Data Feminism•7 minutes
6 readings•Total 210 minutes
Module 7 Introduction Reading•10 minutes
Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations•60 minutes
Choosing Accessible Color Schemes and Layouts•60 minutes
Avoiding Misleading Visualizations and Ethical Storytelling•60 minutes
Module 7 Visualization Activity•10 minutes
Module 7 Summary•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 165 minutes
Module 7 Summative Assessment•120 minutes
Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations Quiz•15 minutes
Choosing Accessible Color Schemes and Layouts Quiz•15 minutes
Avoiding Misleading Visualizations and Ethical Storytelling Quiz•15 minutes
Module 8: Crafting a Complete Data Story
Module 8•7 hours to complete
Module details
This final module brings together all the concepts explored throughout the course. Students will apply their knowledge by developing a comprehensive data story that combines multiple visualization techniques. Through this project, learners will demonstrate their ability to structure narratives and communicate insights effectively for a specific audience using real-world data.
What's included
13 videos4 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
13 videos•Total 88 minutes
Module 8 Introduction•3 minutes
The Key Steps of a Data Story•11 minutes
Identifying Key Insights and Messages•8 minutes
Balancing Data and Narrative Flow•8 minutes
Planning and Outlining Your Final Project•6 minutes
Using Visualizations Effectively•5 minutes
Integrating Geospatial Visualizations•5 minutes
Interactivity•6 minutes
Creating Balance in Data Storytelling•8 minutes
Identifying your Audience and Their Needs•7 minutes
Tailoring for Impact•5 minutes
Keeping it Clear and Focused•5 minutes
Review and Refine•11 minutes
4 readings•Total 190 minutes
Reviewing the Steps of Crafting a Data Narrative •60 minutes
Structuring a Comprehensive Data Story for a Specific Audience Quiz•15 minutes
Summative Course Assessment
Module 9•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.
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