•  This version of PRDV200: Communicating with Data closed on September 1, 2024. You can find the most up-to-date versions of Saylor Academy's courses in the Course Catalog.

    • Course Introduction

      • Time: 8 hours
      • Free Certificate
      According to a 2013 McKinsey Report, 90% of the data that existed in the world had been created within the last two years, and this continues to be the situation today. However, the majority of it is unanalyzed and in an unpresentable form. Data visualization provides a means to simplify data, which lets us tell a story. In this course, we will explore how people process visual information and how to create useful visualizations. We will also learn the terminology used in data science, the principles of data dashboard design, and ways to data presentation effectively.

      This course is designed to help industry professionals gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by understanding data visualization. We will analyze quantitative and qualitative data, craft visualizations, and present results. We will also learn how to manage data, perform analytics with a set of charts, and organize information into visualizations to tell a story. By developing your knowledge of creating and presenting data-driven insights, you can solve applied problems in better ways.

      • Course Syllabus

        First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

      • Unit 1: Introduction to Data Visualization

        A data analyst understands both the statistical and psychological sides of data. That is, in addition to knowing how to interpret data and create charts, an analyst must also consider how their work will be perceived by their intended audience. This unit will introduce you to the concept of data visualization and the psychology of visual perception.

        Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

      • Unit 2: Understanding Data

        Data is only valuable if properly understood. Before crafting visualizations, we first need to take stock of what we have, as data come in all shapes and sizes. This unit will show you commonly encountered data types and how to deal with them.

        Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

      • Unit 3: Crafting Visualizations

        While data scientists receive training in mathematics and computer science, their audiences often do not. Results usually need to be communicated to managers, customers, or coworkers, but these audiences sometimes lack the requisite training to understand the statistical information given to them. Data visualizations are useful in simplifying and summarizing the results of data analyses. This unit will cover the skills you need to convey your message.

        Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

      • Unit 4: Telling the Story

        Data are often visualized through collections of organized charts and graphs that relate to a common theme. A problem should be clearly defined, and each chart in a dashboard or slideshow should be immediately relevant in answering that problem. This unit discusses using data and charts to "tell a story" that informs or persuades an audience.

        Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

      • Course Feedback Survey

        Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

        If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

      • Certificate Final Exam

        Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

        To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

        Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.