seminars

Data Visualization in spreadsheet based tools

A 7-hour Remote Seminar

Visual analytics is “the science of analytical reasoning facilitated by interactive visual interfaces”. Visual analytics advances science and technology developments in analytical reasoning, interaction, data transformations and representations for computation and visualization, analytic reporting, and technology transition.

Seminar abstract: This seminar provides an intensive, hands-on introduction to the principles and practice of data visualization. Participants will learn how to take your data from Excel into visualization software, transform it to easy-to-understand dynamic graphics and interactively explore what-if scenarios, in no-code visualization tools. Topics covered include plotting continuous and categorical variables, layering information on graphics; faceting grouped data to produce effective “small multiple” plots; transforming data to easily produce visual reports, visual summaries.

Learning modules

  • A brief overview of the visualization software
  • Data import, data management
  • Basic plotting and visualization. Statistical and specialty plots
  • Best practices for creating different plot types, motion charts, interactive visualizations. A variety of visualization techniques will be covered, including interactive representations.
  • Plotting 2D arrays
  • Analyzing time series, panel data and cross sectional data
  • Building, sharing and customizing automated reports including data, text and graphics

Who should attend: students and researchers who want to gain momentum for ideas and communicate about data in an accessible, influential way.

Prior Knowledge: A familiarity with Excel 2007 or later versions

Technical prerequisites: Participants will need a desktop/laptop. Software installation and downloads are provided live during the seminar.

 

Work Programme

1st day

1 hour

Software installation, data sharing, on-line apps. Live lecture via Zoom.

2nd day

2 hours

Hands-on workshop, hands-on exercise assignments, and interact with the instructor. Live lecture via Zoom.

1st day

3 hours

Hands-on introduction to the principles and practice of data visualization. Live lecture via Zoom.

2nd day

1 hour

On-line testing activities. Course completion certificate.

 

About the instructor:

Kyriaki Tsilika is an Assistant Professor of Computational Economics in the Department of Economics at University of Thessaly and an adjunct faculty member at Hellenic Open University. Kyriaki Tsilika holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the Faculty of Engineering of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Some of her current research is focused on techniques and methods for data visualization. She has presented her research work in EU DataViz 2019, organized by the Publications Office of the European Union in Luxembourg on 12 November 2019. She has contributed to the Pint of Science festival introducing data visualization to the general public in Volos in 2019.