Oh, The Things You Can Think!
How to Really See Your Assessment Data
CS-150 (Strand 5)
Monday, December 9, 2013
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Robin Logan & Dr. Glenn James
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio TX
Today
1. Identify some strategies for data setup
2. Build interactive tables in MS Excel
3. Demo interactive graphics in Tableau
BIG Idea: we’ll share our process for
visualizing data for diverse users
After our session,
you should be able to . . .
1. Recognize and use basic file structures
that make your data analysis easier.
2. Build MS Excel filters and pivot tables.
3. Use interactive graphics in Tableau
Software worksheets and dashboards.
4. Advise colleagues on steps to use
interactive tools to visualize your data.
What we all have…
•
A lot of data from varying sources
•
Diverse business processes
•
Constant requests for our time and our data
•
•
•
Both internally and externally
An unyielding demand for current, accurate
and complete information
AND… constantly changing questions
What we all need…
•
Analysis of university data
•
•
Federal, state and internal reporting
Consistent answers
• Clean data
• Reliable and documented definitions
•
Systematic and nimble reporting processes
•
Conversations with consumers of information
What most of us actually have…
•
Limited staff and time
•
Limited funding
•
Decent computer skills
•
Support for improving our processes
•
A rough idea where we want to go
For Today’s Attendees . . .
•
•
Can you author your own queries from your
university data?
Do you have access to directly query your
university data?
•
Can you build a pivot table in MS Excel?
•
Have you worked with Tableau Software?
Let’s Start Something!
1. Census Data
2. Survey Data
3. Degrees Conferred Data
Census Enrollment Data
Characteristics:
• Snapshot from the 12th class day
• One line per student
• Variety of demographic-style elements about
each student
< show Census data in MS Excel >
• < demonstrate filters and Pivot Tables >
Let’s Start Something!
1. Census Data
2. Survey Data
3. Degrees Conferred Data
< show SURVEY data in MS Excel >
Additional Resources from the Tableau Knowledge Base
Preparing your MSExcel data:
http://kb.tableausoftware.com/articles/knowledgebase/preparing-excel-files-analysis
Installing the Tableau Add-In for data reshaping:
http://kb.tableausoftware.com/articles/knowledgebase/addin-reshaping-data-excel
Survey Data
Characteristics:
• Content only from those surveyed
• One line per student
• Some blank entries
• Survey responses can be grouped and
displayed different ways
Let’s Start Something!
1. Census Data
2. Survey Data
3. Degrees Conferred Data
Degrees Conferred Data
Characteristics:
• From the student degree table in BANNER
• One line per student
• Variety of demographic-style elements about
each student
< demonstrate interaction in TABLEAU >
MS Excel and Tableau
MS Excel:
Tableau Software:
Delivery and Security
Delivery and Security
• .xslx file on Intranet
• .twbx files on
intranet
• Sharepoint
• Public and Digital
Sustainable reporting
• Server
Cost
Cost
Report Examples
Daily Enrollment Report
*The reports refresh each morning at 7 am.
Report Examples
Census
*The reports are ready for proofing the afternoon of the
Census pull.
Report Examples
Course Schedules
Report Examples
Funnel of New-Student Applications
Report Examples
Retention
*Your data should tell a story… easily.
Report Examples
NSSE
Report Examples
Degrees Conferred
Report Examples
Peer Reviews
*From IPEDS Data
What is great about both tools
•
Interactivity with data can be built for end user
•
Can be used to improve data quality
•
Smart setup and time spent on the front end =
gain of precious time
Other Considerations:
Where’s the Data?
Variety of connection options available when
developing reports, so consider:
•
Size and source of data
•
Scope
•
Speed of connection to data
•
Scripting
•
Sustainability
•
Security (protection of contents)
•
Use
Other Considerations:
Where’s the Report Going?
•
Change in approach to data
•
Initial users, both to develop and to consume
•
Delivery of information
•
•
Purpose of report
•
Need for interactivity
•
Home location of raw data
•
Security (who gets permission to use report)
Storage of reports / access locations
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to
have a celebrity
endorsement...
Garrison Keillor of The Prairie Home Companion
Contact Us
Dr. Glenn James
Associate Provost and Director of Assessment
University of the Incarnate Word
gjames@uiwtx.edu
Robin Logan
Director of Institutional Research
University of the Incarnate Word
rlogan@uiwtx.edu