Good Practices for
Visual Analytics Teaching
http://johnguerra.co/slides/goodPracticesVisualAnalyticsTeaching
Good Practices
- GP1 Mixed Class Sessions
- GP2 Modifiable Class materials
- GP3 Open standards + real projects
- GP4 Iterative feedback loops
History
GP1 Mixed Class Design
GP2 Modifiable Slides
Class materials
TreeMap
http://blockbuilder.org/mbostock/6bbb0a7ff7686b124d80by mbostockGP3 Open Projects
Final Projects
15 real world, real data, real users projects, open sourced and publicly available
GP4 Iterative feedback loops
Evaluation
- Q1. Class Mixed
- Q2. Class review
- Q3. Concept Theory+Practice
- Q4. Slack in-class
- Q5. Web, modifiable slides
- Q6. Real client
- Q7. Iterative feedback loops
- Q8. Slack off-class
- Q9. Open standards
- Q10. Public projects
Questions
- Q1. Each class sessions was divided in two 1.5 hours sections, one in the classroom and the second one in the lab. How useful do you think this division was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q2. Each class session included an introduction reviewing and one take home message. How useful do you think these two were for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q3. During class concepts were presented in modules that included a theory description and an applied example (that could be code based or not). How useful do you think they were for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q4. During class Slack was used as a backchannel for sharing examples and for allowing students conversations. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q5. Class materials were presented using web-based slides with interactive and modifiable demonstrations. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q6. Class projects were conducted using a real world client as an advisor and co-evaluator. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q7. The class was conducted with three learning rhythms: short term class concepts, two medium term short projects, li and one longer term final project. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q8. Slack (off class) was used as the main communication channel for questions and comments. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q9. The class enforced the use of public web demos, videos and Github code sharing (open source). How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
- Q10. The class page featured a public facing projects page showcasing students work. How useful do you think it was for your learning process compared to your experience?
Other Ideas implemented in Web Development
Coding based
- Latest web dev technologies
- Students learn architectures and concepts through the tools
- Skill to build useful apps
- Beyond just code: Accesibility, Usability, Security, Scalability, Design, HCI, UX, etc
Live coding in class
- Students see me fail
- End to end example
- Recorded in youtube for review. (E.g. React + Node + Mongo)
- Hands-on component at the end
Semi blended approach
- Students must complete readings and tutorials before class
- We use class time for advanced topics
Reading control
Reading control 2
Projects
- (5 projects + 2 exams) * 18 teams
- Open topic
- Work in pairs
- Open source
Projects
- Deployed (available for 6 more months at least)
- In class presentation
- Public facing
- Code reviews (Slack)
- Video demo
Projects list
Exams
Also code based (used to be)
- With 40 students this semester it isn't feasible anymore
Sample projects
Take home message
- GP1 Mixed Class Sessions
- GP2 Modifiable Class materials
- GP3 Open standards + real projects
- GP4 Iterative feedback loops