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 JamesUniversity 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 DataCharacteristics:•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 BasePreparing 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 DataCharacteristics:•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 DataCharacteristics:•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:

Delivery and Security

•.xslx file on Intranet•Sharepoint

Sustainable reporting

Cost

Tableau Software:

Delivery and Security•.twbx files on intranet•Public and Digital•Server

Cost

Report ExamplesDaily Enrollment Report

*The reports refresh each morning at 7 am.

Report ExamplesCensus

*The reports are ready for proofing the afternoon of the Census pull.

Report ExamplesCourse Schedules

Report ExamplesFunnel of New-Student

Applications

Report ExamplesRetention

*Your data should tell a story… easily.

Report ExamplesNSSE

Report ExamplesDegrees Conferred

Report ExamplesPeer 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 JamesAssociate Provost and Director of AssessmentUniversity of the Incarnate Wordgjames@uiwtx.edu

Robin LoganDirector of Institutional ResearchUniversity of the Incarnate Wordrlogan@uiwtx.edu