Share Paper: Introducing Data Visualization: A Hands-on Approach for Undergraduates

1. Vetria Byrd, Purdue University, United States

Abstract: We use a constructivist approach to introduce the data visualization process to undergraduate-level students. Visualization is the process of transforming raw complex data into a visual representation that provides insight into the data. Students enrolled in an introductory course learn the seven stages of data visualization using a step-by-step data set examination and visualization approach. Each stage of the process is designed to encourage students to ask questions about the intricacies of each step to identify where they may be struggling with the data visualization process. Students use outcomes from the data visualization exercises as a guide for future classroom ...