Developing an Introductory Data Literacy and Visualization Course

• Activity Number: 88 - Data Visualization in Practice
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 9, 2021 : 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Graphics
• Author(s): Mahbubul Majumder* and Becky Brusky and Michelle Friend and Julie Dierberger and Betty Love
• Companies: University of Nebraska Omaha and University of Nebraska Omaha and University of Nebraska Omaha and University of Nebraska Omaha and University of Nebraska Omaha
• Keywords: data visualization; visual analytics; service learning; general education; quantitative reasoning; course development

Abstract

As an alternative to college algebra, we propose an introductory Data Literacy and Visualization course that fulfills the quantitative reasoning requirement for undergraduate students. In this service learning course, students work with a community partner to analyze data with an emphasis on proper visualization, culminating in a final report that answers the partner's questions. This research presents a detailed design and curriculum of the course, how to engage community partners, student experiences, and how it satisfies first-year general education (GenEd) requirements.